Dentures

Dentures, a time-tested and versatile dental solution, have been helping individuals regain their smiles and oral functionality for centuries. Whether you’ve lost teeth due to aging, injury, or dental issues, dentures offer a viable and customizable solution.

At Alpine Dental Clinic, our Swift Current denture service is second to none. Our mission is to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Learn about dentures and denture care by Alpine Dental Clinic.

Types of Dentures

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are utilized when all of a patient’s natural teeth are missing. They come in two varieties:

1. Conventional Complete Dentures: These are made and placed in the mouth after all natural teeth have been extracted, allowing for proper healing time.
2. Immediate Complete Dentures: Immediate dentures are fabricated in advance and placed immediately after tooth extraction. While they provide the benefit of not leaving you without teeth during the healing process, they may require frequent adjustments due to the changes in the jawbone as it heals.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are suitable for individuals who have some natural teeth remaining. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a metal or plastic framework, which holds the denture securely in place.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are affixed to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. This type offers exceptional stability, preventing issues such as slipping or discomfort. They are particularly advantageous for lower dentures, which can be more challenging to keep in place.

Overdentures

Overdentures are designed to fit over the remaining natural teeth or dental implants. They provide added support and stability, often enhancing the overall fit and comfort of the denture.

Denture Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your dentures and maintain good oral health.

Cleaning Dentures

• Daily Cleaning: Brush your dentures with a soft-bristle brush and denture cleaner or mild soap and water.
• Rinse After Meals: Remove and rinse your dentures after eating to remove food particles.
• Soak Overnight: Allow your dentures to soak in a denture cleaning solution overnight to keep them moist and maintain their shape.

Regular Check-ups

It’s crucial to visit your dentist regularly for adjustments and to ensure your dentures fit well. Ill-fitting dentures can lead to sore spots and discomfort.

Handling Dentures

Handle your dentures with care to avoid damage. Always fill the sink with water or place a towel in the sink when handling them to prevent breakage if dropped.

What is the Process of Getting Dentures?

The process for getting dentures can vary on a case-by-case basis. However, many steps are quite standard.

Initial Consultation

The process typically begins with an initial consultation with your dentist or prosthodontist. During this appointment, you will discuss your dental history, the reasons for needing dentures, and your specific needs and preferences. Your dentist will perform a comprehensive oral examination, including X-rays, impressions, and measurements of your mouth. This evaluation helps determine the best type of denture for your situation and plan the treatment accordingly.

Treatment Plan

Based on the information gathered during the initial consultation, your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan outlines the type of denture that will be most suitable for you (complete dentures, partial dentures, implant-supported dentures, etc.), the materials to be used, and the treatment timeline.

Tooth Extraction (if necessary)

If you still have natural teeth that need to be removed before receiving dentures, your dentist will schedule tooth extraction procedures. In some cases, immediate dentures may be prepared and inserted immediately after the extractions to ensure you have teeth while your mouth heals.

Impression and Measurement

Precise impressions and measurements of your oral tissues, gums, and jawbone will be taken. These measurements are crucial for creating dentures that fit comfortably and securely in your mouth. Modern technology, such as digital impressions, may be used for accuracy.

Denture Fabrication

Based on the impressions and measurements, your dentures will be custom-made in a dental laboratory. Skilled technicians will craft the dentures to closely resemble the shape, size, and color of natural teeth and gums. The process may take a few weeks, during which you might wear temporary dentures or go without teeth, depending on your situation.

Test Fitment and Adjustments

Once your dentures are ready, you’ll have a try-in appointment with your dentist. During this appointment, you’ll wear the dentures to check their fit, bite, and appearance. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your dentures feel comfortable and function properly.

Final Placement

After the necessary adjustments and refinements, your final dentures will be ready for placement. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to insert and remove them, as well as how to care for your dentures.

Post-Placement Care

Getting used to wearing dentures may take some time, and you may experience some initial discomfort or difficulty with speaking and eating. Your dentist will provide guidance on adapting to your new dentures and may schedule follow-up appointments to address any issues or make further adjustments.

Regular Check-ups

It’s essential to schedule regular check-up appointments with your dentist to ensure that your dentures continue to fit well and function properly. Over time, the shape of your mouth may change, and adjustments or denture replacements may be necessary.