Dental prosthetics

At Mondzorgpraktijk Valeriusstraat we also work with dental prosthetics. On this page you will find all information about dentures.

Dentures (removable dentures)

Removable dentures (dentures) are one of the most commonly used solutions for replacing missing teeth. Dentures can be used in the absence of a number of teeth; a partial denture, or in the absence of all teeth; a full denture (dentures). The quality and appearance of dentures today are much better than they used to be. It is often hardly noticeable that someone is wearing a prosthesis.

Partial denture: plate or frame denture

If you have lost a number of teeth, a partial denture ensures that you can bite, chew and speak better. In addition, the partial denture can also improve the appearance of your teeth and also protect the other teeth against wear and decay. Without the partial denture, the natural teeth will become crooked or may move. Depending on the material from which the partial denture is made, a partial denture is also called a plate or frame prosthesis.

Emergency denture (immediate denture)

Will I get dentures immediately after having my teeth extracted? Yes, these dentures, also called immediate dentures or emergency dentures, are often placed in the mouth immediately after the last teeth have been removed.

One of the most drastic treatments in oral care is the loss of all teeth and getting dentures. Before a dentist places such dentures, he or she first makes impressions of the teeth. Dental models are made from these impressions and these are a copy of the teeth. The dental laboratory needs these dental models to make the dentures. In addition, the dental laboratory would like to know how the molars should come together. To record this, the dentist has the patient close in wax. The laboratory can then get to work with these models.

Dentures or full dentures

A denture or full denture is a tool in case all teeth have been extracted. Dentures are loose in the mouth and fall under the removable provisions. There are almost three million full denture wearers in the Netherlands. A prosthesis can be made by a dentist, a prosthodontist or a clinical prosthesis technician (KPT). The prosthodontist and the KPT are both dental technicians, the latter of whom cannot treat independently but only under the responsibility of a dentist.

How are dentures made?

Due to the layer of saliva between the plastic of the denture and your gums, the dentures suck themselves into the mouth (retention). The prosthesis has a shape that fits well with the anatomy of the jaws and the muscles of the mouth. You can probably well imagine that in a mobile mouth this is not always easy. Some of the prosthesis wearers therefore have problems with this. It is often the lower teeth that cause complaints because, among other things, the support base of the jaw is much smaller there. Thanks to implants, a good solution can often be offered with the help of click dentures.

Because every mouth and jaw is different, a prosthesis is specially made for you. In order to restore the chewing and speaking function with the prosthesis, a number of steps (four to six) will have to be completed. The cosmetic end result is also an important factor and all together means that the practitioner and technician will work very carefully to restore these functions to you.

Getting used to new dentures

A new denture is probably not immediately comfortable. It is new and also different and especially in the beginning you will have to get used to it. Your practitioner will guide you well during the difficult initial period, so that you will get used to the new teeth as quickly as possible.

Getting used to appearance

The upper lip can be a bit 'fuller' and the face less sunken. The mouth is an important eye-catcher, so you and people around you may have to get used to your new appearance.

Talking with your mouth full

With your new dentures you talk a little awkwardly at first. For example, you might lisp and certain sounds might sound different from what you were used to. It's like talking with a full mouth. This is normal. Your mouth still needs to get used to your new dentures. It usually gets a lot better after a few days. You can practice extra with those words or letters that don't sound quite right yet.

Eating awkward

Eating with your new dentures is a bit awkward. You will certainly be careful in the beginning. You experience the best for yourself what can and cannot be done. Take softer foods for the first few days, such as mashed potatoes, minced meat, and soft fruits. Try a piece of fish and a potato for a few days afterwards. Later again you can eat food such as meat or an apple. It is better not to bite off pieces with dentures. Therefore, cut your food into pieces and chew gently and evenly with the artificial teeth. Take a piece of food in the mouth on both sides. Take a little more time for it than you were used to.

Pain from new dentures

Wearing your new dentures can be a little painful at first. The teeth are snug against your jaws. Maybe a little too tight in some places. This can cause sensitive sores. The sores are also called pressure points. Your practitioner can take this pain away by making small and simple corrections to your dentures. It is not recommended to file or sand your dentures yourself.

For a good result, it is important to try to keep the dentures in the mouth. Try to talk and eat with it directly. The practitioner will check your dentures a few days to weeks after they have been placed. Have you decided to take off your dentures because of the pain or discomfort? Then do it again at least half a day before you go to the practitioner. Otherwise, the pressure marks will not be clearly visible. Don't be tempted to put your old dentures back in too soon. It is then more difficult to get used to the new teeth. With your new dentures, it is often a matter of perseverance.

Cleaning your dentures

Dentures need to be cared for just like teeth and molars. If you don't clean it regularly, it will leave food residue, plaque and tartar. Both on your dentures and underneath. If you don't remove this, the gums can become inflamed over time. Therefore, clean your teeth carefully after every meal.

Carefully clean your dentures or dentures every day with a denture brush. With its angled bristles and firm grip, this brush has been specially developed to clean your dentures as effectively as possible.

It is strongly not recommended to use normal toothpaste, it can damage the dentures. During cleaning, regularly use a denture gel that gives your dentures or dentures a pleasant softness. After cleaning, use an adhesive paste to ensure a firm bond to the jaw. Clean dentures always feel smooth. Be careful that the smooth teeth do not slip out of your hands during cleaning. A prosthesis is prone to breakage.

Clean your dentures daily with a cleaning agent available at an (online) drugstore or pharmacy. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Ask your practitioner or dental hygienist for advice. Remove your dentures at night. Preferably do not soak your dentures overnight in a cleaning agent more than once a week. Always brush your dentures well and rinse them with water. Never put your dentures in hot water and certainly do not use bleach or abrasives.

Also clean your mouth

Clean not only your dentures, but also the mucous membrane on which your dentures rest. So your jaws, palate and the transition from the jaw to the cheeks must also be cleaned. Otherwise, nasty inflammations can arise. And even now, prevention is better than cure. Massage the mucosa at least once a day with a soft toothbrush, paying extra attention to your palate. Use a regular toothpaste to clean your mouth.

Maintenance of dentures

You have dentures, but that doesn't mean you're all set now. Your dentures will need maintenance in the coming year. To prevent pain and to be able to detect loosening of your dentures in time, it is advisable to visit the practitioner at least once every two years. Go even if you have no complaints. The shrinking of your jaws goes very unnoticed. So you won't notice it at first. Your practitioner can make your dentures fit again. Or he can advise you in time to get a new one (usually after about ten years), because dentures can also wear out. The practitioner also checks whether your mouth is still in good health. Especially people with ill-fitting dentures or people who have been wearing their dentures for years can get annoying mouth defects. There are prostheses with a pleasant wearing comfort.

Source: dentist.nl