Partial denture
A partial denture can be used even if you only have a few teeth left. The partial denture is attached to the remaining teeth using brackets.
In order to get the denture to fit properly, it is often necessary for the dentist to grind the natural teeth a little. Dentures can be attached with brackets or with small buttons that are glued to the other teeth.
You need to be really thorough with your toothbrush on these teeth to avoid gaps. A partial denture can be made from several different materials.
A cheaper prosthesis
A cheaper form of partial denture can be made from prosthetic teeth that sit on a piece of acrylic that resembles gums. It can be fitted with brackets made of hard steel wire to help hold the denture in place. This type of denture is mostly used as a temporary solution.
The best type of partial denture is one with a cast frame; called a unitor. Here, the brackets and any palate plate are made from cast metal. It can be designed to take up very little space. It is the easiest prosthesis to get used to and it is usually the best looking.
Full denture
Most people learn to use a full denture fairly quickly. However, difficulties can arise, especially when it comes to the lower mouth. In the upper mouth, the prosthesis can usually be made to fit the palate. In the lower mouth, the denture lies loosely on the gum instead. It can be made so that the cheeks and tongue help to hold it in place.
Still, it can be difficult to get used to the prosthesis, especially if you only have a little gum left. A full denture can also be attached to implants by a click-lock system, making it much more secure.
Is it easy to have a prosthesis?
Some people initially feel that their speech sounds slightly different with the new prosthesis. But this is almost always temporary, and practice makes perfect.
It is not always possible to avoid food debris getting under the denture when you eat. Therefore, it's a good idea to brush or rinse the denture often, preferably after every meal.
Your gums may be sore for the first few days. If the soreness doesn't go away in a few days, contact us. You can remove the denture if it hurts too much, but always wear it for at least half a day before a check-up. Otherwise, it may be impossible for the dentist to find the cause of the soreness. Never try to adjust the denture yourself. If your dentures were fitted immediately after your teeth were removed, they should be adjusted after a few weeks and again after a few months as the gum fades.
With a partial denture, the brackets can also become loose after some time of use and the prosthesis will no longer be secure. It usually takes very little for the prosthesis to feel comfortably firm again, but never try to bend the brackets yourself.
How long does a prosthesis last?
A partial denture is a good long-term treatment. If you take care to clean your teeth and dentures daily and have regular check-ups at the dentist, you can enjoy your dentures for many years. On average, dentures last 5-10 years, but there are no set rules for how long a new denture can or should last. It depends on the type of denture, how quickly the gum fades and how hard you chew.
Can you tell that you have a prosthesis?
Today, all prosthetic teeth are made in such lifelike colors and shapes that the dentist and dental technician can almost always find teeth that look like your own. For example, if you have had a single dark tooth, this can also be replicated on the denture if you wish.
Remember to keep the prosthesis clean
Whether you have a partial or full denture, it needs to be kept clean just like your natural teeth. Of course, if you still have your own teeth left, they should also be brushed well to avoid dental disease.
The denture must be removed for brushing. Your dentist will give you thorough instructions on how to clean your teeth and dentures. Never use hot water - it can cause the denture to change shape and no longer fit.
Tartar can form on the denture, and tobacco, red wine, coffee and tea can discolor the denture. Such discoloration should be removed by your dentist. Feel free to bring it to your regular check-ups.
What does a prosthesis cost?
The cost of a prosthesis depends on your needs and the type of prosthesis you choose.