Dentures: types and how they are made

When a person loses teeth for any reason or has them removed, then this can affect their overall self esteem. Teeth are associated with people's aesthetic and are the first thing people notice in each other when striking a conversation. Dentures are available to help replace missing teeth and give people their quality of life back.

There are several advantages of dentures:

• Help people who have lost teeth used for chewing chew better and enjoy their food
• Improve peoples appearance
• Help people speak clearer, particularly when missing teeth prevent them from pronouncing words correctly

Types of dentures

There are various types of dentures available. The type of denture depends upon the number of teeth lost, location of teeth lost and also the cost of the denture itself being a factor in selection.

Removable and Fixed Partial Dentures: These replace some lost teeth on the dental arch of the mouth. Fixed partial dentures may also be known as crown or bridges, which are placed on the remaining damaged teeth. Fixed dentures are used when the teeth are partially damaged. 

Complete Dentures: These are fitted when a patient has lost all their teeth from one of their dental arches.

Dentures must be appropriately cleaned on a regular basis to ensure optimum oral hygiene. They are normally made using acrylic, owing to its ability to be molded and its similarity to oral tissues. 

How are dentures made?

Initially, you will have a thorough discussion with your dentist and decide which type of denture is suitable for you. You will need to visit a specialist dentist, known as a dental prosthetist or prosthodontist. The dentist will make several molds of your dental structure to ensure that the denture will fit your mouth well. Bear in mind that dentures cannot be made immediately after you have lost your teeth. This is because it takes a few months for the gums to heal properly. After several visits to your dentist, you will then be given your dentures with special instructions on how to use them and take care of them. 

Always carefully observe any reactions to dentures that you have in the initial time period. Reactions may include pain, irritation from the dentures, swelling, mouth sores as well as bad breath. These symptoms mean that you need to visit your dentist, who will give you the right advice and check your dentures. Dentures will also need to be replaced every once in a while.