COMPLETE DENTURES

Complete dentures are removable dental appliances that replace all the teeth in one or both arches of the mouth (upper and lower). They are designed to mimic natural teeth and gums, providing functional and aesthetic benefits for individuals who have lost all their teeth.

Here are some key points about complete dentures:

1. Types: There are three types of complete dentures:
   • Conventional Dentures: These are made after the remaining teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has started to heal, which usually takes several weeks or up to six months.
   • Immediate Dentures: These are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. Immediate dentures eliminate the waiting period without teeth but may require adjustments as the jaw bone heals and reshapes.
   • Implant Overdentures: These are a type of denture supported by dental implants, providing enhanced stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures. These overdentures securely attach to the implants, reducing movement and improving functionality, allowing for better chewing and speaking. Ideal for patients with limited bone structure, they offer a more natural feel and can significantly enhance quality of life by restoring confidence in one’s smile.
2. Materials: Complete dentures are typically made from acrylic resin, which is a durable and lifelike material that can be color-matched to resemble natural gum tissue. In case of an Implant Overdenture, bar-supported implant overdentures feature a slender metal bar that conforms to the curve of your jaw, anchored securely to implant posts in the jawbone. Clips or other attachments are fitted to either the denture or the bar, allowing the denture to snap into place over the bar. This design enhances stability and retention, ensuring a comfortable fit for the wearer.
3. Benefits:
   • Restored Function: Complete dentures restore the ability to chew and speak properly.
   • Aesthetic Improvement: They provide a natural-looking smile, which can boost self-confidence.
   • Support for Facial Muscles: Dentures help support facial muscles, preventing sagging and maintaining facial structure.
4. Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance of complete dentures include daily cleaning, regular dental check-ups, and handling them carefully to avoid damage.
5. Adjustment Period: It may take some time, usually 30 days, to get used to wearing dentures, especially for speaking and eating. Patients may experience some initial discomfort or minor adjustments may be needed  (3 or more adjustments is typical). If you find it necessary to remove your dentures due to excess soreness, re-insert the dentures 12 hours preceding your appointment for the adjustment so we can see the exact sore spots.
6. Bone Resorption (also known as bone loss or shrinkage): Over time, wearing dentures can lead to gradual bone resorption (loss of jawbone density) because they do not stimulate the jawbone like natural teeth roots do. Regular dental visits are important to monitor and adjust for any changes in fit.

Overall, complete dentures are a viable option for individuals who have lost all their teeth and can significantly improve their quality of life by restoring both function and aesthetics.

Usage and Care of Complete Dentures

Usage:

1. Fitting: Ensure your complete dentures fit properly. If you experience discomfort or movement, consult your dentist for adjustments.
2. Inserting and Removing: To insert, position the denture in your mouth and gently press it into place. To remove, use your fingers to lift it from the back or sides. Avoid using excessive force.
3. Eating and Drinking: Start with soft foods and gradually introduce harder items as you adapt. Chew on both sides of your mouth to maintain balance and avoid dislodging the dentures. Use a denture adhesive if needed for added stability.

Care:

1. Daily Cleaning: Rinse your dentures after every meal to remove food particles. Brush them daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush or denture brush and a non-abrasive cleaner designed for dentures. Avoid regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive.
2. Soaking: Soak your dentures overnight in a denture cleaning solution or plain water to keep them moist and prevent warping. Avoid using hot water.
3. Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the fit and condition of your dentures. Adjustments may be necessary as your mouth changes over time.
4. Storage: When not in use, store your dentures in water or a cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape.

By following these guidelines for usage and care, you can ensure the longevity of your complete dentures and maintain good oral health.

What are the steps for creating a Complete Denture?

Creating a complete denture is a detailed process that involves several steps to ensure a custom-fit, natural-looking dental prosthesis. Here are the typical steps involved in creating a complete denture:

1. Initial Consultation and Examination

• Evaluation: The denturist examines your oral health, takes impressions of your mouth, and discusses your dental history and expectations.
• Treatment Plan: A personalized treatment plan is developed based on your specific needs, including whether any remaining teeth need to be extracted.

2. Impressions and Measurements

• Primary Impressions: An initial impression of your gums is taken using a stock tray and alginate material to create a basic mold of your mouth.
• Secondary Impressions: A more precise impression is taken using a custom tray and a more detailed impression material to capture the fine contours of your gums and mouth.

3. Bite Registration and Jaw Relationship Recording

• Bite Registration: This step records the relationship between your upper and lower jaws in various positions, ensuring the denture will fit properly and allow for natural chewing movements.
• Facebow Transfer: A facebow device is used to transfer the relationship of your jaws to an articulator, which is a tool that mimics the movements of your jaw.

4. Wax Try-In

• Setup of Denture Teeth: Denture teeth are set in wax on a base plate to simulate the final appearance and fit of the denture.
• Try-In: You try on the wax denture to assess the color, shape, and position of the teeth. Adjustments can be made to ensure proper aesthetics and function.

5. Final Processing

• Processing: Once adjustments are finalized and approved, the wax setup is processed into a final acrylic or composite resin base that matches the color of your gums.
• Insertion: The completed denture is inserted into your mouth, and the fit, bite, and aesthetics are checked one last time.

6. Final Adjustments and Follow-Up

• Adjustments: Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure comfort, fit, and function. This may include adjustments to the bite or surface texture.
• Patient Education: You receive instructions on how to care for and maintain your new denture, including proper cleaning techniques and regular check-ups.

7. Follow-Up Appointments

• Post-Insertion Care: Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the fit and function of the denture over time.
• Adjustments: Additional adjustments may be needed as your mouth adjusts to the new denture and as gums and bone structure change over time.