1255 Willow Pass Rd
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 680-4444
Dentures
Concord Dentures
Pleasant Hill, Antioch, and Walnut Creek Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.
Types of dentures
Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.
Candidates for complete sets have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial set is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.
Complete or full sets are made when all of your natural teeth are missing. You can have a full denture on your upper or lower jaw, or both.
Complete dentures are called "conventional" or "immediate" according to when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient`s jaws during a preliminary visit.
An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly. A conventional set can then be made once the tissues have healed. Healing may take at least 6-8 weeks.
An overdenture is removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture.
Partial dentures in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Antioch
Removable partial sets usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework. These attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than metal clasps and are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments. However, sets with precision attachments generally cost more than those with metal clasps.
How are they made?
The process takes about one month and five appointments: the initial diagnosis is made; an impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position; a "try-in" is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit; and the patient`s final set is placed, following any minor adjustments.
First, an impression of your jaw is made using special materials. In addition, measurements are made to show how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them (bite relationship). The color or shade of your natural teeth will also be determined. The impression, bite and shade are given to the dental laboratory so a set can be custom-made for your mouth.
The dental laboratory makes a mold or model of your jaw, places the teeth in a wax base, and carves the wax to the exact form wanted in the finished denture. Usually a "wax try-in" of the set will be done at the dentist`s office so any adjustments can be done before the it is completed.
The denture is completed at the dental laboratory using the "lost wax" technique. A mold of the wax-up set is made, the wax is removed and the remaining space is filled with pink plastic in dough form. The mold is then heated to harden the plastic. The denture is then polished and ready for wear.
Getting used to your new teeth
For the first few weeks, your new teeth may feel awkward or bulky. However, your mouth will eventually become accustomed to wearing it. Inserting and removing the denture will require some practice, but it should easily fit into place. Never force the partial denture into position by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps.
At first, you may be asked to wear the set all the time. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is the quickest way to identify those parts that may need adjustment. If the denture puts too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore, but they can be adjusted to fit more comfortably. After making adjustments, you may need to take them out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning.
Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the set. Avoid sticky or hard foods, including gum. You may want to avoid chewing gum while you adjust to your new teeth.
Caring for your new teeth
Concord denture patients find that it's best to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water when handling your denture, just in case you accidentally drop it. Brush the denture (preferably with a denture brush) daily to remove food deposits and plaque, and keep it from becoming permanently stained. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can cause damage. Look for denture cleansers with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay.
Using other cleaning products such as Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid is also acceptable. Other types of household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning. A denture could lose its proper shape if it is not kept moist. At night, the denture should be placed in soaking solution or water. However, if the appliance has metal attachments, they could be tarnished if placed in soaking solution.
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled brush before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important for maintaining a healthy mouth.
Adjustments
Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a loose-fitting appliance. This can cause various problems, including sores or infections. Dentures that do not fit properly can be adjusted. Avoid using a do-it-yourself kit to adjust them, as this can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over-the-counter often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used.
If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, see your dentist immediately. In many cases, dentists can make necessary adjustments or repairs, often on the same day. Complicated repairs may require that the denture be sent to a special dental laboratory.
Over time, they will need to be relined, re-based, or re-made due to normal wear. To reline or re-base, the dentist uses the existing denture teeth and refits the denture base or makes a new base. Dentures may need to be replaced if they become loose and the teeth show signs of significant wear.
Common Concerns for our Patients in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut and Antioch
Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent them from tipping. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet.
Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells.
Some people worry about how dentures will affect their speech. Consider how your speech is affected when you have a number of your natural teeth missing.
Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help. If you notice a "click" while you`re talking, speak more slowly. You may find that your device might occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile. Reposition them by gently biting down and swallowing. If a speaking problem persists, consult your dentist.
Adhesives
Adhesives can provide additional retention for well-fitting set of teeth. However, denture adhesives are not the solution for an old, ill-fitting set. A poorly fitting denture, which causes constant irritation over a long period, may contribute to the development of sores. These appliances may need a reline or need to be replaced. If they begin to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, consult with your dentist immediately.