Dentures often carry a negative stigma. However, dentures, are common and often enhance a person’s quality of life by improving their appearance, reducing or eliminating discomfort, and restoring their ability to consume the foods they love.
Dentures may improve the quality of life of certain patients, but there are a few factors that may limit their effectiveness. Such as:
Dentures must fit snugly against the bony ridges that once held the teeth. When tooth decay or tooth loss occurs, the resorption process also occurs. Resorption is the process by which bone deteriorates, resulting in a decrease in the amount of existing bone. Dentures that do not fit properly are primarily due to this shrinkage.
Smooth gum ridges are optimal for appropriate denture fit. However, ridges can deteriorate or change over time. Completely smooth or narrow v-shaped ridges complicate the process of achieving a comfortable denture fit. Additionally, excessively bony gums can cause discomfort, while fleshy gums can result in excessive denture movement.
Palate Shapes: The suction of the upper dentures to your gums can be changed by the shape of your palate. Shapes that are square or rounded are preferable to those that are flat or v-shaped. Certain extremes in the palate can also cause additional problems.
Potential Lower Denture Problems: Lower dentures are constantly moving due to the jaw’s mobility and the tendency of the tongue, lips, and cheeks to displace dentures. Also, the lower ridge that connects the denture to the gums is up to four times smaller than the upper ridge, causing the dentures to stick less effectively to the gums.
Some patients will have to alter some of their habitual behaviors to effectively wear lower dentures. When the tongue is rubbed against or under the denture, it may quickly displace. Holding the lower denture in place during the day requires minimizing movement around it.
Many patients think their dentures can last their entire lives, but since dentures can deteriorate with time due to usage and maintenance, they should be tested regularly. While the denture’s foundation normally does not change, our gums may change as a result of additional bone deterioration, causing the denture to fit incorrectly over time.
Although there is no clear and quick guideline on how long a denture can last, once the alignment becomes loose or painful, it should be replaced. Annual visits can allow for small modifications to the fit of the denture, but eventually, replacement is the only alternative.
Patients can struggle with the decision to get dentures. However, dentures improve the ability to consume food, increase confidence and improve the overall quality of life. If you’d like to learn more about dentures, contact us at 815-398-3800 to discuss your options.
If all the teeth that are being replaced have already been extracted then, a traditional denture can be made in as little as 3 appointments. In conjunction with a highly skilled dental laboratory, Dr. Hansen takes great pride in making a beautiful cosmetic quality denture.
In order to not be without teeth during the denture making process, immediate dentures are a great choice. At the time of extracting all the remaining teeth the finished denture will be delivered. It is likely that as the bone and gums heal after the extractions ulcers or “hot spots” may form in which the inside of the denture will need to be adjusted to relieve the high pressure areas. Over time the bone will stabilize and there wont be as many adjustments needed.
3-4 appointments
When you come in for your initial visit, Dr. Hansen will make impressions of your mouth and begin the steps to make dentures that people will think are your natural teeth. Details like choosing the correct shape, size, and shade of teeth are of the utmost importance when making a denture. Dr. Hansen is passionate about making dentures that function properly so that you can chew well, smile proudly, and begin to live life fully again!
At Dental Designers, Dr. Hansen is passionate about making high quality cosmetic dentures that are comfortable, beautiful, and natural! We are very proud of the experience we provide because we treat every appointment as a relaxing spa visit, complete with DoTerra essential oil aromatherapy, warm neck wraps, and serene spa music. We have chosen to make dentistry feel like a special treat that you don’t have to do but GET to do!
If this sounds like an amazing experience to you schedule your visit with us online!
