Heres the Denture Report You Requested
My name is Stephen Judge, and I am located right here at My Brilliant Smile Dental Centre in East Grinstead on the border of West Sussex, Surrey and Kent..
This report was written to give you information and insights that most people are unaware of, and to help you determine if you are a candidate for denture treatment. It’s my hope that this information will help you in making decisions about your dental care.
This report will give you a lot of information about dentures; from what a denture is, to who needs dentures, to what alternatives you may have. I will also enlighten you as to the myths and the facts about dentures.
If you have any questions after reading this report please call my office on 01342 325522. We even offer a free initial consultation so that you can come and meet us and discuss your requirements. We look forward to hearing from you!
My Brilliant Smile Dental Centre, 2 Green Hedges Avenue, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1DZ, tel 01342 325522 website www.mybrilliantsmile.com
What is a denture?
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin or nylon, sometimes in combination with various metals. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. Complete dentures are either "conventional" or "immediate." A conventional denture is placed in the mouth about a month after all the teeth are removed to allow for proper healing, whereas an immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed. The drawback behind an immediate denture is that it may require some adjustments after the healing has taken place. However the benefit with an immediate denture is that you have new teeth immediately
Who needs a denture?
Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.
What happens when you get a denture?
The denture process normally takes about five appointments: the initial diagnosis and treatment plan are drawn up, primary impressions are taken. The second stage is final impressions. Third stage bite and jaw registration, tooth selection. Fourth stage is to try in the teeth set in wax. This is to allow a cosmetic review and if any changes are required then those will be made before the final appointment to fit the denture/s. New denture wearers need time to get accustomed to their new "teeth" because even the best fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While most patients can begin to speak normally within a few hours, many patients report discomfort with eating for several days to a few weeks. To get accustomed to chewing with a new denture, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods. In addition, denture wearers often for a short period of time notice a slight change in facial appearance, increased salivary flow, or minor speech difficulty.
How do you care for a denture?
A denture is fragile, so it is important to handle it with care. Remove and brush the denture daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically for cleaning dentures, using either a denture cleanser or denture toothpaste. Never use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including abrasives toothpastes, because they may scratch the surface of the denture. Don't sterilize your denture with boiling water because it will cause it to become warped. If you wear a partial denture please ensure that you remove it before brushing your natural teeth. When not in use, soak it in a cleanser solution or in water. Get in the habit of keeping the denture in the same safe and handy place to reduce the likelihood of misplacement.
Should a denture be worn at night?
While you may be advised to wear your denture almost constantly during the first two weeks- even while you sleep-under normal circumstances it is considered best to remove it at night. Research has shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during either the day or night allows the soft tissues to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. This promotes better long-term health of the gums. If you wish to wear the dentures at night, then it is best to get into the habit of stimulating the tissues covered by the denture with a very soft brush.
Continue seeing your dental professional regularly
It is important to continue having regular dental checkups so that the oral tissues can be checked for signs of disease or cancer. As part of the aging process, your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recede To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be necessary to adjust your denture or possibly remake your denture. Never attempt to adjust a denture yourself and do not use denture adhesives for a prolonged period because it can contribute to bone loss. When in doubt, consult your dental professional.
Are there any alternatives to dentures?
Dentures are no longer the only way to restore a mouth that has little or no non-restorable teeth. Strategically placed support, or implants, can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the "feel" of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative of choice to dentures, but not everyone is a candidate for implants. If this is an option that you would like to know more about, we do offer implant treatments in house routinely.
Myths About Dentures
When it comes to myths, dentures have spawned a whole collection; many of these common misconceptions about dentures have prevented people from achieving their best health, appearance and self-confidence.
The fact of the matter is that proper denture fit, maintenance and regular dental care can positively affect each of the millions of people who wear full or partial dentures. Check out the following 11 myths. You may be surprised to find out that one or two that you have accepted as "fact," are actually "fiction."
1. "Dentures last forever!"
While it's true that dentures are durable, they aren't any more permanent than eyeglasses. Dropping them even a few inches can break a tooth or the denture base. Even with conscientious care, denture teeth can lose their natural appearance and chewing ability due to chewing, brushing and age.
The way you care for your dentures can also alter their fit. Dentures can warp if placed in hot water. If they become dried out, they may change shape. When you remove your dentures at night, place them in a container of denture-cleaning solution or water. Also, it's best to use a brush designed for dentures as well as a denture cleaner rather than toothpaste, because some dentifrices may be too abrasive for dentures.
2. "Once you have dentures, you don't need to see anyone for a check up anymore!
This is probably the most common myth about dentures, and it's wrong for several very important reasons. You should see your dental professional for an examination, because your mouth is continually changing. Mouth tissue can reveal signs of diseases, such as diabetes, that first manifest themselves in the mouth. Besides checking your dentures, the dental professional will check your mouth for signs of oral cancer as well as checking the salivary glands, cervical lymph nodes, tongue, lips and cheeks. Oral cancer is on the increase and it can kill. Early detection increases the odds of survival dramatically.
Of course, your dentures need attention, too. Important indicators of their condition are:
Looseness caused by tissue changes; Bad odour caused by absorption of fluid and bacteria; Colour change due to age or a reaction to mouth fluids; Stains and calculus deposits resulting from mouth fluids.
3. "Everyone knows when you're wearing dentures. It's embarrassing."
This is true only if your dentures look unnatural or need re-fitting. Many of the "tell-tale" signs of dentures - clicking or slipping, unpleasant odour or stains - are actually signs of poor fit or improper home maintenance. Regular professional examinations and following instructions on home care are essential steps in assuring a "natural appearance."
Confidence in wearing dentures comes from realizing that you have taken a positive step towards improving your health and appearance. Protecting your oral health with properly fitting dentures is a smart move!
4. "Denture wearers can't eat normally, or even speak properly."
While not all denture wearers can eat everything they would like, many have very few restrictions in their diets. So if you develop persistent eating or speech problems at any time, have your dental professional check the fit of your dentures as soon as possible.
Good nutrition is just as important for mature adults as it is for younger persons. Properly fitting dentures may actually encourage you to eat a varied and well-balanced diet that maximizes your oral health. And you'll be able to enjoy the social benefits that make dining with friends such a pleasant experience!
5. "I have to use adhesives to make my dentures fit, or I can't wear them all day."
This is a particularly dangerous myth. Dentures are made to fit precisely and usually do not require use of an adhesive for comfort. In an emergency, denture adhesives can be used to keep the dentures stable until you see the dentist, but prolonged use can mask infections and cause bone loss in the jaw. Likewise, a poorly-fitting denture, which causes constant irritation over a long period, may contribute to the development of sores. If your dentures begin to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, see someone immediately. There are some people who have particular difficulty with lower dentures, if the lower jaw bone has shrunk and becomes very flat, then there is nothing to stop the lower denture from moving around.
6. "Dentures aren't like natural teeth; they're not affected by over-the-counter and prescription medications."
Drugs can affect denture fit and wear ability, for example medications can reduce the supply of saliva in your mouth, making it difficult to swallow or chew. So let your dental care professional know about any medications taken regularly or even occasionally.
7. "I have a fixed income. Regular dental care is too expensive."
Before deciding that oral examinations and denture care is too costly, discuss the situation with your professional ask about any charges for denture adjustments or repairs and possible replacement keep in mind that if you are in your sixties you probably have twenty years more of eating and smiling and your oral health is a vital part of your total health.
. "I can make my own denture repairs."
Even if you are a whiz at fixing toasters, leaky pipes or cars please do not try to adjust or repair dentures yourself.
Improperly relined dentures can be bulky, causing increased pressure on the jaw and more rapid loss of jawbone. Do-it-yourself re-liners can also irritate the soft tissues of your mouth. The handyman approach can cause irreparable damage and may result in the need for a new denture.
9. "I'll be without teeth for days if I take my denture for a refitting or repair."
Advances in modern dentistry have made it possible for your provider to reline or repair your denture quickly, here at My Brilliant Smile Dental Centre repairs are done while you wait. More complicated corrections are normally done the same day.
10. "I know I should have my denture replaced, but I just don't want to go through a long adjustment period again."
The first time is always the hardest. You're a pro now. You've learned the basics about eating, speaking and wearing a denture. There will be some adjustment, but it will probably be shorter and easier than the first time. And it is important! Prolonged use of ill-fitting dentures can irritate the gums, tongue and cheek, and even cause the ridges of your mouth to shrink to the point where it will almost be impossible to fit you with normal dentures. Your ability to chew may decrease, and your face may acquire deep aging lines and wrinkles. When you look at the big picture, the temporary adjustment period isn't so bad.
11. "All dentures are the same. It makes sense to shop around and look for the lowest price."
Here in the UK there are a group of Dental professionals like myself who are qualified and registered Clinical Dental Technologists or Denturists we hold a specialist qualification from the Royal College Of Surgeons London, we are the only group of dental professionals qualified to carry out both the clinical and technical aspects of providing Dentures. So if you seek the professional services of someone like me you will be dealing directly from start to finish with the person who is actually making your smile.
This is a service different to that provided by a Dentist, who sends your work to a dental laboratory where the dentures are made to match his prescription. Those dentures can be made remotely as far away as China or Turkey, by people who have never even seen you.
Your Next Step
Now that you have all the information you may be asking yourself what your next step should be…
I want you to know that I'll be happy to answer your questions – or you can visit me and my Team for a free initial consultation, when you can ask any questions that you may have – and find out what your options are. This free initial consultation is for information purposes only and is not intended to include a complete clinical examination or any radiographs.
If after the free initial consultation you decide that you would like to start a treatment with us, we will make a reservation for your first appointment and you will be amazed at how soon you will have your new smile. Please call today whilst this is fresh in your mind 01342 325522.
My Brilliant Smile Dental Centre, 2 Green Hedges Avenue, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1DZ. www.mybrilliantsmile.com. Copyright 2010 not to be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the author.
