Dentures.
Evolution in dentistry over the last two decades has made it possible to restore teeth and the smile perfectly, making you look younger and attractive. Imagine having a smile without any teeth. I know, even the thought is scary! With no teeth, the whole face changes, cheeks drape over the side, and lips lose their shape, and you age by several years! One of the solutions for missing teeth is dentures! Because we want you to put your best smile forward!
What are dentures?
A removable prosthesis to replace missing teeth; entirely or partially, is known as a denture. Dentures are specific to every individual patient and are designed in the laboratory. They consist of artificial (porcelain or acrylic) teeth placed on the surface, mimicking the soft tissues and the palate. They fit-in the mouth perfectly and appear almost natural-looking. The patient can remove them for cleaning purposes.
Tooth loss can occur due to several reasons such as; trauma, dental decay, gum disease, and poor oral hygiene. In any case, going toothless is not an option as it affects the person’s health and lifestyle. Dr. Shoaib Durrani at Durrani’s Dental Clinic highlights the importance of teeth and getting dentures to his patients to save them from mocking and pain.
What is the difference between traditional dentures, implant dentures, and over-dentures?
It is always best to have multiple treatment options available because no two patients have the same dental requirements. Dentures are also various types, such as; complete dentures (covering the whole arch) or partial dentures (covering the space with few missing teeth).
Dr. Shoaib Durrani at Durrani’s Dental Clinic always puts all options in front of his patients, some of which are absolute and cannot be altered in any case. In contrast, some options can be considered depending on the patient’s affordability as well.
The different types of dentures are listed below;
- Traditional Dentures:
These dentures can be partial or complete, they consist of acrylic or cast-metal framework on which the artificial teeth are seated. They fit-in the mouth perfectly and are removable, so cleaning and maintaining hygiene is not an issue; they are best suited for the elderly.
- Implant Dentures:
Implant-supported dentures can be Semi-fixed (where they are stable in the mouth but can be removed by the patient for cleaning) or fixed (secured with screws that can only be removed by the dentist for their 6 monthly cleanings). The implants (abutments) are set in the jaw, and the denture consisting of four implants, two on each side of the arch, is then seated over it.
- Over-Dentures:
These are removable and more retentive dentures; unlike traditional dentures or implant dentures, overdentures are seated over existing teeth (treated and covered with crowns) or implants.
The Internet can only help you research at your best level. It is best to visit Dr. Shoaib Durrani at Durrani’s Dental Clinic for treatment and further details and get a detailed consultation done for a comprehensive treatment plan.
What are teeth in dentures made of?
The artificial teeth in dentures can be made up of;
- Porcelain
- Acrylic-resin
- Combination of acrylic and porcelain teeth
Porcelain teeth:
- Pros
- Excellent aesthetics.
- Provides strength.
- Long-lasting and durable.
- Withstand daily wear and tear.
- Help preserve the anatomical structures of the face such as the jawbone.
- It does not stain or discolor easily.
- Maintain vertical dimensions for years.
- Maintains masticatory efficiency for years.
- Cons
- Clicking sound on impact.
- Can abrade or chip the opposing natural teeth if any.
- Does not self-adjust.
Acrylic teeth:
- Pros
- Inexpensive and easily available.
- Does not wear or damage opposing natural teeth.
- Self-adjusting.
- Self-polishing.
- Cons
- Wears easily.
- Stains and discolors with time.
- Loss of masticatory efficiency over the years.
Still, confused about which way to go and what to choose? Don’t you worry at all we have got you covered at Durrani’s Dental Clinic, call us at 021-37227441 to book an appointment with us?
Which is better, porcelain denture or acrylic denture?
Porcelain dentures are superior in quality and aesthetics as compared to acrylic dentures. However, they are not preferred because, if damaged, they require much work to be corrected, plus they are costly, not readily available, and porcelain damages opposing natural teeth.
Acrylic gives pleasing aesthetics with better adjustability and is cost-effective; hence acrylic dentures are preferred over porcelain dentures.
Practically, things that are easier to manage and adjust are chosen to save the hassle and money in the future. Acrylic is easier to work with; that is why it is preferred; otherwise, porcelain is still the best choice.
How long does it take before a denture feels comfortable?
Having teeth to go thoroughly toothless and having them again can take some time to adjust to. Dentures may take up to two to four weeks before the patient is fully satisfied and has adapted to the new change. After getting the dentures inserted; regardless of the type, patients are bound to feel some discomfort before the denture settles in.
Dentists do run a full trial, they make the patient talk, chew, bite in front of them in the dental clinic to see if the denture has entirely settled or is causing any discomfort. If there are any problems, dentures are re-adjusted and inserted again and this process is repeated until the patient is fully satisfied and leaves the clinic smiling. Sometimes, patients come after a few weeks complaining of sores, pain, and other issues caused by the denture, and the dentist has to do a thorough dental exam and resolve the complaints accordingly.
