Dentures

Dentures are an important option for those who have lost their natural teeth, especially if multiple teeth are missing. Dentures not only help you chew food better, but also improve your speech and self-confidence.

In this article, we’ll learn about dentures, their benefits, and how to properly care for them to maintain good oral health.

Types of dentures

There are two main types of dentures:

  1. Removable dentures
    This type of denture can be conveniently removed and replaced. It is often used when several teeth or all of the teeth are missing. It is divided into two subtypes: partial dentures and complete dentures.

    • Partial Dentures : These are used when some natural teeth are still present. Partial dentures are attached to the remaining natural teeth for durability.
    • Full Dentures : Used when no natural teeth remain, full dentures restore the function of all teeth.
  2. Fixed dentures
    This type of denture is a permanently fixed tooth that is attached to the gums and jawbone, such as a bridge or dental implant.
    Dental implants are a popular option today because they are strong and long-lasting.

Benefits of using dentures

  1. Helps to chew food better
    When teeth are lost, chewing food can become more difficult. Having dentures can help restore chewing and make eating more comfortable.

  2. Build confidence
    Dentures help restore the beauty of your smile, making you feel more confident when talking and meeting people.

  3. Helps prevent jaw bone loss
    Loss of natural teeth can cause the jawbone to dissolve over time. Fixed dentures, such as dental implants, help prevent jawbone structure from losing its structure.

  4. Helps develop speech
    Losing teeth can cause distorted pronunciation. Dentures can help you speak more clearly.

Proper denture care

Taking care of your dentures is important to prolong their life and maintain good oral health. Here’s how:

  1. Clean your dentures regularly.
    Removable dentures should be removed and cleaned daily using a denture brush and a special cleaning solution to remove food debris and tartar.

  2. Remaining natural toothbrush
    If you use partial dentures, be sure to brush your remaining natural teeth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

  3. Visit your dentist regularly.
    You should see your dentist every 6 months to check the condition of your dentures and your oral health.

  4. Avoid biting hard objects with dentures.
    Biting hard objects with dentures can damage them. Be careful and avoid biting hard foods.3

  5. Wear dentures only during the day. Do not sleep with dentures on.

summarize

Dentures are a great option for those who have lost their natural teeth, helping to boost confidence and improve the function of their teeth. Properly caring for your dentures can help extend their lifespan and maintain good oral health. If you’re looking for a dental restoration option, dentures may be the right answer for you.

Smile and Shine Dental Clinic Rama 3 is ready to provide consultation and services for all types of dentures.

Frequently asked questions about dentures

At first, wearing dentures can feel strange, like a foreign object is stuck in your mouth. It may take some time to get used to them and practice speaking, biting, and chewing food. After that , when wearing dentures regularly every day, you will gradually get used to it.

  • When you first start wearing dentures, you should practice chewing by eating only soft foods.
  • Cut food into small pieces and chew slowly using both teeth to achieve balance.
  • Avoid chewing gum and foods that are sticky, hard, or sharp.

It is possible that over time after having dentures, the bone may shrink, causing the dentures to feel loose. You should see your dentist for correction, or use denture adhesive to feel more confident.

Prosthetic dentist
Smile and Shine Dental Clinic Rama 3

ทพญ.ทิชา ทองระกาศ

ทพญ. ทิชา ทองระกาศ
Dr. Ticha Thongrakard

Prosthodontist(prosthetic dentistry)

• DDS Chulalongkorn University
• Master Degree of Prosthodontic Dentistry
• Certificate of Implant Dentistry Chulalongkorn University

ทพญ.สลิลภร ศรีเจษฏาพันธ์

ทพญ.สลิลภร ศรีเจษฎาพันธ์
Dr. Salinporn Srijesdapun

Prosthodontist(prosthetic dentistry)

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University
• Higher Graduate Diploma of Clinical Sciences Program (Prosthodontic), Chulalongkorn University

How many types of dentures are there? Which type is the best? Which type of dentures are most suitable for me?

For those who have lost their real teeth, wearing dentures is a way to replace them, allowing them to smile again, eat, regain confidence, and return to their original good quality of life. Now, let’s take a look at the different types of dentures and how they differ.

Types of dentures: How many types of dentures are there?

Dentures or dentures can be divided into the following categories:

1. Removable dentures

It is a type of denture that has been around for a long time. It has been popular for a long time because it takes a short time to make and is inexpensive. Removable dentures range from one tooth to a full mouth. Removable dentures are made from materials such as acrylic, metal bases, flexible bases, and now there is a base made from PEEK which is also very light.

Caring for removable dentures involves removing them and cleaning the outside of the mouth using a brush and denture cleaning solution or effervescent tablets. Clean thoroughly. Before going to bed, soak the dentures in water to prevent shrinkage.

This type of denture should never be worn to sleep because the base is quite large. This can cause fungal infection at the base and tooth decay at the base that cannot be cleaned.

The limitations of removable dentures are that they are quite large and bulky, making them uncomfortable for the wearer. Furthermore, there is a chance that the dentures will slip off. These dentures rest on the gum line, so the area where the tooth was extracted still has bone that has dissolved, which could cause the bone line to dissolve in the future, making the dentures more likely to slip off.

2. Fixed dentures

Fixed dentures include bridges and implants.

2.1 Dental bridge

This is a type of fixed dental implant that consists of a crown that is bonded together. The main crown is attached to the adjacent natural teeth on both sides. The advantage is that it looks natural, but the disadvantage is that the natural teeth must be ground down to serve as the anchor for the bridge, causing tooth structure to be lost. The main teeth will be less strong. Another problem encountered is tooth decay in the crown area under the joint. This is because it is an area that is difficult to clean, making it easy for decay to occur. And because the bridge is bonded together in sets, if the equipment is damaged, the entire set must be dismantled and replaced.

To clean the area under the bridge, you must use an attachment such as superfloss or dental floss in conjunction with a floss threader to reduce plaque buildup.

2.2 Dental implants

Dental implants are a type of fixed denture that is currently the best way to replace lost teeth. This is because dental implants use titanium screws that are embedded in the jawbone and connected to the crown with titanium screws. This results in the teeth having a shape that is very similar to natural teeth. In addition, dental implants are effective for chewing, and having dental implants in the jawbone reduces the problem of jaw bone resorption in the future. Dental implant care is the same as for natural teeth, including brushing and flossing.

A limitation of dental implants is that they require sufficient bone to be placed. If there is insufficient bone, bone augmentation must be performed first. Treatment is complex and requires patient patience and cooperation. However, in the long run, it is worth it for the improved quality of life.

So, what type of dentures should I get?

To choose the best treatment for you, we recommend consulting with an experienced and skilled doctor. Discuss the pros and cons, limitations, and consider your body and budget to select the best treatment method for you.