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August 19, 2024

Removable Denture

Removable Denture are designed for individuals with a few remaining natural teeth or for those who have lost all their teeth. These dentures can be easily removed for cleaning. Made from plastic or composite materials that closely match the color of natural teeth, they feature a base made of either plastic or metal that rests on the gums or the roof of the mouth.

Evaluate the Pros and Cons of Removable Dentures

Removable dentures offer several advantages, including replacing lost natural teeth, improving the quality of life for those who have lost teeth, and restoring effective chewing function. However, additional adjustments or replacements may be necessary if teeth are extracted or if the gums change over time. Consider the following benefits and drawbacks of removable dentures

Advantages :

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Designed to closely resemble natural teeth.
  • Effective Chewing: Can restore about 60% of natural chewing ability, depending on the user’s oral condition.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Improves appearance and self-esteem, especially for those who have lost front teeth.
  • Digestive Health: Reduces the workload on the stomach by enabling finer food chewing.
  • Prevents Shifting: Helps keep adjacent teeth from shifting or tilting into the gap left by missing teeth.
  • Easy Cleaning: Removable for convenient cleaning, available in both plastic and metal base options.

Disadvantages :

  • Initial Adjustment: When used without natural teeth for support, removable dentures may not stay as secure and will need to rely on the gums and palate. Users may need time to adjust and practice wearing them.
  • Initial Discomfort: New users might find the dentures bulky or awkward, which can affect chewing comfort. This sensation usually decreases as they adjust.
  • Larger Size: Removable dentures are generally larger than fixed ones, which can cause discomfort during speaking or eating.
  • Chewing Efficiency: Less effective at chewing compared to fixed dentures, due to lower resistance to chewing forces.
  • Long-Term Fit Issues: Over time, dentures may become loose, shift, or come off due to changes in the gums, necessitating adjustments or refitting.

Preparing for Removable Denture

  • Healthy Remaining Teeth: Ensure that any remaining teeth are in good condition, strong, and free from decay or periodontal disease. If any decay is found, consider options such as filling, root canal treatment, or extraction.
  • Gum Condition: The gums in the area where dentures will be placed should be smooth and rounded, without any sharp or protruding areas. The gums should be firm and healthy.
  • Bone Protrusions: Your dentist may need to address any bone protrusions before fitting dentures, such as those on the roof of the upper jaw or the underside of the lower jaw.
  • Oral Mucosa: The lining of your mouth should be in normal condition, without any lesions or pathological conditions.

Process for Getting Removable Denture

The process of fitting removable dentures involves several steps and typically requires 5-6 visits to the dentist. The steps are as follows

  • Initial Impressions: The dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create a model of your teeth and record the bite for accuracy.
  • Custom Impression Trays: For full dentures, a custom tray will be used to capture the contours of your gums and the full extent of the denture area, ensuring the mold does not interfere with muscle function.
  • Tooth Placement: The positions for the new teeth will be determined.
  • Try-In: The dentist will place a trial set of dentures in your mouth to check the color and shape of the teeth, ensuring they meet your preferences.
  • Final Fitting: The dentures will be fitted, and you will receive instructions on how to care for and clean them.
  • Follow-Up Visit: Return to the dentist for a check-up approximately 7-14 days after receiving your dentures to assess how they are performing over the first 1-2 weeks.

Possible Complications with Removable Denture

  • Discomfort You may experience discomfort while chewing due to pressure from the denture base. If this occurs, visit your dentist for adjustments.
  • Fit Issues Over time, changes in gum shape may cause dentures to become loose. Regular adjustments or relining of the dentures may be needed to ensure a proper fit.
  • Irritation Continuous use of removable dentures can cause irritation to the oral tissues, potentially leading to inflammation or benign growths around the edges or underneath the denture base. This is particularly common with full dentures and may also lead to bad breath.

Caring for Removable Denture

  • Regular Cleaning Remove and clean your dentures after each meal to maintain hygiene.
  • Daily Maintenance Clean dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and store them in a closed container or box when not in use.
  • Overnight Care Do not wear dentures all the time. Remove them and soak them in water overnight to relieve pressure on oral tissues.
  • Routine Check-Ups Regular dental visits are essential, as prolonged wear can cause gum shrinkage, which may affect the fit of the dentures and lead to improper bite and possible sore spots.
  • Enhanced Stability For increased stability with full dentures, consider combining them with dental implants to improve retention and chewing ability.