When Do You Need Dentures?

There are many reasons someone may need dentures, whether it’s due to old age, advanced decay and sometimes illness. These are some common reasons where we may suggest considering dentures:

• Advanced gum disease
• Injury or trauma to the mouth requiring removal of multiple teeth
• Decay resulting in unrestorable teeth
• Chewing and speaking issues with old dentures
• Destruction of tooth structure due to other causes (e.g. Long term teeth grinding, erosion etc.)

Dentures are no longer just for “old people” and are usually safe and appropriate for any adult who has lost many teeth. At our Blackburn clinic, we offer a complete denture service whether you require partial, full or implant-supported dentures. Our team of dentists will ensure their colour, shape and size look natural to help you achieve an improved smile.

Types of Dentures

The type of denture used at our Blackburn clinic is dependent upon the number of teeth missing, as well as other factors related to oral hygiene. Our friendly team will be able to advise you of the denture type suited for you and will help you get fitted for your new denture implants.

• Complete Denture Set

To replace a full set of teeth, our dentist will provide you with a complete denture set. These flesh-coloured acrylic dentures are developed for those who have no teeth in their upper or lower jaw (or both). In some cases, surgical procedures (such as tooth extractions) are required prior to fitting full dentures. There are two types of full denture sets: immediate and conventional.

Immediate dentures are created in advance of any preparatory surgical procedures, so they can be positioned as soon as the procedure is finished. These dentures give the patient the option of having teeth straight away after the removal of their damaged teeth. As gums shrink and move during the healing process after the removal of teeth, our dentist will ensure to make the adjustments accordingly. Once the bone has healed and stabilised, immediate dentures can eventually be replaced by the conventional denture set. In some cases, the immediate denture can be modified and itself can be the definitive outcome.

Unlike immediate denture sets, conventional dentures are only made post-surgery and a patient may wait for up to 2 to 3 months after a surgery, before receiving it. Our dentist will need to wait until your gums are fully recovered and will need to ensure these dentures are suited to your mouth. They will be crafted with acrylic, valplast material or metal (or combination of multiple materials). Rest assured, we will work closely with you over multiple appointments to assess your bite; teeth shape; colour of teeth and gums; and phonetics to minimise any future adjustments.

• Partial Denture Set

If you only have a few teeth missing, we would recommend a partial denture set to fill in the gap. The partial denture set not only fills in the gaps created by missing teeth, but it can also help to prevent the other remaining teeth from shifting into those gaps. This type of replacement teeth will be created in such a way that it will be fitted around the permanent teeth to plug the gaps; usually connected to a plastic base with or without a metal framework. Sometimes partial dentures can be a temporary economical option in instances where the patient may elect for implants in the future, but cannot do so at present, due to financial constraints.

• Implant-supported Denture Set

Implant-supported dentures are considered to be more stable than other types of dentures, particularly in the lower jaw, where conventional dentures are more likely to slip out of place. The eventual shrinkage or resorption of bone from a lack of forces distributed to the bone (teeth once distributed these forces to the bone) results in a lack of retention and stability, especially in the case of lower full dentures. In cases of severe bone resorption such as these, tongue, cheek and lip muscles easily displace the denture causing difficulties during eating and talking. For example, you may have faced a situation or have seen one in which an elderly blows his or her lower dentures out of their mouth whilst blowing birthday candles. In these situations, the dentures can be attached to implants in the jawbone that extend outwards from the gums, in the anterior part of the lower jaw. Such a procedure only requires 2 surgically placed implants in the lower jaw, the lower full denture is then modified or made after healing to attach to the implants. It is important to note that only patients will need to be assessed for suitability in terms of medical history and health before treatment.

Denture Procedure

Regardless the type of dentures being fitted at our Blackburn clinic, all of our patients will undergo a similar procedure:

• During the first visit, an evaluation of your gums and bone structure will be done to determine the type of dentures. A large x-ray (OPG) may be required to assess for pathology, health of the teeth and shape of the roots of the teeth.
• The dentist will assess and recommend which teeth are suitable to be removed. On a case by case basis, it could be that some questionable teeth can still be restored and a partial denture is chosen instead of a full denture.
• In the case where the dentist has recommended a full clearance and a full denture, treatment options will be typically discussed, in terms of whether an immediate denture is premade prior to the removal of the existing damaged teeth. If this is the case, the initial appointment may involve an impression, and the appointment of teeth removal is appointed at a time later when the dentures are ready.
• In the case of conventional dentures or partial dentures, there is a waiting period of several months for the bone to resorb and stabilise before the final moulds are done for the denture.
• In the case where you are interested in implant retained dentures, more diagnostic tests like 3-D imagery (CBCT) may be utilised to assess bone quality and quantity, and to plan the implants whilst a temporary denture is made.
• Over several appointments, there may be several adjustments of your dentures/framework of the denture based on their fit, colour; shape and phonetics (sounds when the dentures are in place).

Aftercare Following Dentures Procedure

After your dentures have been fitted, it’s important to ensure they are properly maintained not only for your oral hygiene, but also for the dentures’ longevity. Here are some ways you can take care of your dentures:

• Brush and rinse your dentures with a soft-bristled brush.
• Avoid using toothpaste on dentures.
• Understanding new dentures are like new pairs of shoes, there will be discomfort at start.
• Wearing as frequently as possible (if left out a long time, there is a risk of tooth movement in partial dentures).
• Use proper denture cleaning tablets (can be found in pharmacists).
• Avoid sticky foods that can stick to the base and damage your dentures.
• Handle with care and only remove your dentures when you are standing over a soft surface (such as a towel, or bed).
• Regular follow-up appointments with our dentist.