What Are Removable Full Dentures?
Removable Full Dentures are a complete set of artificial teeth that fit over the gums and can be removed at night. The type of dentures you choose will depend on many factors: the number of teeth you’ve lost, the condition of your gums and jawbone, and, most importantly, your prosthodontist’s suggestion.
Removable Full Dentures are a more affordable and easier choice to help you recover your smile and the ability to chew and speak normally again.
What Are Some Characteristics of Removable Full Dentures?
A Removable Full Denture is made of a pink or gum-colored plastic base that exactly fits the patient’s gums. The artificial, replacement teeth are fastened to this base, which can be removed without a dentist’s assistance.
As its name indicates, this type of denture is used when the patient has complete (“Full”) tooth loss either in the upper arch, the lower arch, or in both arches.
Removable Full Dentures are a viable option to restore appearance, wellbeing and function. Plus, they are more affordable than fixed implant dentures.
How Many Types of Removable Full Dentures Are There?
There are two types of Removable Full Dentures: Immediate and Conventional Dentures
Immediate Dentures
These dentures are temporary. They are made in advance and used right after your teeth have been removed, so that you can lead a life as normal as possible, while your permanent dentures are being made.
As gums need to heal after tooth extraction, these dentures may not be as comfortable as the permanent ones. This is because muscles in the mouth, as well as gums and bones, keep shrinking for some time until they finally heal. For this reason, immediate dentures require permanent adjustments to fit properly until the healing process is over.
What’s best about immediate dentures: they allow patients to leave the dental office with teeth and give them time to get used to new teeth.
Conventional Full Dentures
After some time, once the healing process has finished, the patient can start wearing Conventional Full Dentures. These dentures are custom made to fit the patient’s mouth and to look as natural as possible. With proper care, removable full dentures can last for a long time and will help you function normally.
What is the Difference Between Full and Partial Removable Dentures?
Removable Full and Partial Dentures have the same objective: to restore function and aesthetics to the patient.
However, the main difference is the following:
– Partial Dentures are used when the patient still has some natural teeth.
– Full dentures replace a whole arch, not only some teeth.
Pros and Cons of PARTIAL and FULL Dentures:
Pros of Removable Partial and Full Dentures
– Removable dentures are the most well-known option to replace missing teeth.
– They are generally the least expensive option.
– This type of denture improves the patient’s ability to chew and smile.
– They contribute to support the facial skeleton to improve the patient’s appearance.
Cons of Removable Partial and Full Dentures
– At the beginning, wearing removable dentures can be hard. Patients will feel uncomfortable until they get used to their new teeth. Minor irritation can also occur during the first weeks.
– In some cases, patients can feel their dentures loose and that can make it difficult to speak and eat. To improve this situation, the specialist can suggest the use of denture adhesive.
How Many Hours a Day Can Dentures Be Worn?
Your prosthodontist will give you instructions as regards the amount of time you need to wear your dentures.
In general, the first days the specialist will suggest the patients to wear the dentures all the time, including while sleeping. This will be for sure uncomfortable, but it is the way to identify if the denture needs to be adjusted.
After the typical adjustments are done, you will be able to take out dentures before going to bed. In the morning, before getting up, patients can put on the dentures again and start a new day.
How do I Take Care of Dentures?
The following are some tips you should follow in order to take care of your dentures:
– As natural teeth, dentures need daily cleaning to avoid stains. Brush them carefully and rinse them after every meal.
– Use dental cleaner to clean your dentures. Do not use toothpaste nor bleach.
– When you are not wearing dentures, you should leave them inside a denture cleanser solution. This will prevent the dentures from drying and breaking.
Denture Adhesive: Is It Always Used?
Denture adhesive is a cream, powder or paste that helps the denture fit in a secure way in the mouth.
When dentures fit properly in the patient’s mouth, dental adhesives are not recommended. However, there are many cases which allow for the use of adhesives:
– Comfort: Many patients ask their prosthodontist for dental adhesive to feel more comfortable when eating and speaking in front of other people.
– Loose denture: In some cases, a change in the structure of the bone in the mouth can cause the denture to become loose. Dental adhesive is a solution for this problem.
– Hygiene: When patients eat, food particles get trapped under the dentures. Dental adhesives can help to prevent this from happening, contributing to their general oral hygiene.
What Should I Expect during the Denture Fitting Process?
The denture development process takes some weeks and several visits to your prosthodontist.
The first step towards having full dentures done is a comprehensive exam with a dental specialist.
Once you know you are a candidate for Removable Full Dentures, there are certain steps to follow before you enjoy your new smile:
1. Your dentist will take some impressions of your mouth.
2. The impressions are sent to a lab and will be the base for your new dentures.
3. In the following appointment, your prosthodontist will try in the base and make any changes needed to fit properly.
4. The base is sent to the lab again. The denture is now created out of wax.
5. This wax denture is tried again and measured as regards aesthetics, fit, bite and comfort. Then, it is sent back to the lab to make the permanent denture.
6. After the permanent denture is ready, the patient may need to go back to the dental office for additional adjustments until the denture is fully adapted.
How to take care of your new teeth?
Floss and brush them daily. Also, don’t forget attending regular consultations with your prosthodontist.
As regards chewing, you will need to be careful and avoid certain foods. Remember that teeth in Removable Full Dentures are not as hard and resistant as natural teeth or as fixed dentures.
Pay attention to the following tips:
– The first days, in order to get used to your new Removable Full Dentures, it’s better to start eating soft foods. Chew slowly.
– As time goes by, and you start getting used to the denture, you can add other foods progressively until you return to your normal diet.
– Do not chew on hard items like ice.
– Avoid chewing gum or candies.
Nowadays, there are plenty of options you can choose from to replace your missing teeth.
Do you want to restore your smile, eat as you used to, and improve your self-confidence?
The first step towards this, is to talk to your prosthodontist and discuss what solution is the best for you.
