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Steps in making a denture
The first appointment is usually spent examining the patient and the oral
tissues and explaining the treatment plan to the patient. One or two subsequent
appointments are for obtaining an accurate impression of the oral tissues.
In the next appointment, the approximate position and height at which the
teeth are to be placed is determined using wax rims. The next appointment
is called the trial when the dentist tries out the dentures with the teeth
still embedded in wax. During this trial the dentist may fine-tune the appearance
of the front teeth to make them look esthetic. The final denture is delivered
at the next appointment. One or two more appointments may be required to
check for any post- insertion problems and to correct them.
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Does it take time to get used to the new
denture?
Wearing a new denture is like wearing a new shoe. It takes time and patience
to learn how to use it. Initial pressure points may produce some denture
sores on the oral tissues, which have to be identified and corrected by
the dentist. These are usually done during one or two appointments after
the final insertion of the dentures. Getting used to a denture is a gradual
process. Some patients are able to do this quickly and better than others.
It must be remembered that the dentures are artificial substitutes for natural
teeth and that they have their own limitations. |
What are immediate dentures?
An immediate denture is a specialized denture, which is designed to be inserted
immediately after all the natural teeth are extracted. The patient does
not have to go through the embarrassing period of being without teeth. The
dentures are made on models which are made prior to extraction of the teeth
and the denture is delivered soon after all the teeth are extracted. The
healing of the oral tissues goes on below the dentures.
Immediate dentures are more complex to make and maintain and are therefore
more expensive. |
Is surgical reshaping of the jawbone required
before making the dentures?
The denture takes its support from the hard bony residual ridge, which is
covered by firm resistant tissues. This is called the denture foundation.
The denture is only as good as its foundation. In order to improve the quality
of the denture, one has to improve and strengthen the foundation. This can
be achieved through simple massaging and rest for the tissues by avoiding
use of ill-fitting dentures. In some patients however, surgical procedures
such as adding bone, trimming some sharp areas of bone or removal of excessively
mobile tissues may be required to improve the denture foundation. |
What is try in?
Before a denture is finally processed the patient is given an opportunity
to view the teeth. During this time the patient can check the tooth size,
shape, color, position and other factors like comfort and speech with them.
If the patient is unhappy or has a doubt on any aspect of the denture, he/she
can bring it to the attention of the dentist during this appointment. At
this stage it is still possible to make minor alterations in the denture.
In case both the patient and the dentist are satisfied with the denture,
it can be sent for the final processing after which there is little scope
for any alteration. |
Why do some dentures click while speaking?
Teeth click whenever the upper and lower teeth meet prematurely. This usually
means that the teeth have been positioned too high. Clicking of teeth is
considered a normal feature if porcelain teeth are used for the dentures. |
Why do some lower dentures come off?
Complete dentures depend on the surface area of the gums on which they are
seated for staying in place. The larger the surface available, the better
would be the retention. Even under the best circumstances the lower dentures
are more difficult to retain than the upper. After the loss of natural teeth,
the gums and the underlying bony ridge on which the dentures are seated
start shrinking over the years. So in due course of time the tissues shrink
to such an extent, that it would be difficult to seat the dentures in place. |
Is selection of teeth important?
Denture teeth are available in various sizes, forms and color. The dentist
chooses the teeth that are best suited for the patient based on his experience.
The patient can view the teeth during the trial appointment. Any changes
that the patient may desire can be brought to the notice of the dentist
during this appointment.
Selection of teeth is considered an important aspect in the success of a
denture. Patients may get confused with the wide choice of teeth available,
so it is better that the dentist selects the teeth based on his experience
and judgement. |
Can I help the dentist in the selection
of teeth?
The patient can help the dentist in selection of teeth by bringing old photographs
showing their teeth, or their extracted teeth or any old denture records
that they may have. |
How can the dentist make the dentures look
more natural?
Natural teeth are not always evenly arranged or brilliant white in color.
Therefore to create a natural look in the dentures these irregularities
and deviations of color such as stains have to be reproduced in the dentures.
Similarly the form of teeth is different in males and females. Males are
usually given angular forms of teeth while the curved tooth form is recommended
for females. |
