Dentures Orange County, Anaheim, Laguna Woods & Mission Viejo
Dentures
Dentures
Dentures are an artificial prosthesis that substitutes for missing teeth. When some teeth are present, a partial denture is fabricated. It can be a removable partial denture or a fixed partial denture. When all the teeth are missing, a complete or full denture is made. The main types of dentures are summarized below.
Full dentures
Complete or full dentures are worn by patients who are missing all of the teeth in a single arch. The upper arch is called the maxillary arch and the lower arch is called the mandibular arch. Normally, a complete upper and lower set has 28 teeth. Sometimes, in the case of a small jaw, the second premolars are omitted. The teeth are set into a gum-colored acrylic resin base. Originally, these were always removable, and the maxillary denture included a part that covers the palate. While traditional removable dentures are preferable to missing teeth, advances in technology have resulted in further improvements.
Implant anchored dentures are more comfortable and secure than conventional sets and are easy to clean. There are two types, permanent and removable. With permanents, several screw retentions are placed in the jaw and the dentures are permanently attached to them. This is the most stable form of denture. Patients with too much bone loss for normal implants may be able to have thinner “mini implants” to anchor their restoration. A removable implant anchored denture has an extra attachment on the screws that allows for dentures to be snapped in and out. The care required for these dentures is the same as for partials.
Partial Dentures
There are fixed (permanent) partial dentures and removable partial dentures. Traditional removable partial dentures use wires to hook them onto the permanent teeth on either side. These are less stable than the newer, implant-anchored type and have a tendency to move when the wearer chews food. Also, there might be bone loss in the jaw where the natural teeth are missing. Nowadays, most partial dentures are anchored with implants for a secure fit and protection of the bone structure. The procedure for placing the implant anchored denture is the same, whether they are a full set or partial.
Metal-free partial dentures are another alternative. One option is the flexible Valplast partial that moves with you naturally. The base is made from a flexible acrylic-like material that mimics the gingival tissue. They are typically more affordable than fixed restorations and only a bit more expensive than conventional denture with visible metal clasps. Many people find these the most comfortable partial denture, and the final restoration can be made quickly and precisely. Valplast dentures are very durable and designed to give long term performance under normal usage.
Process for getting full traditional dentures
The denture process takes about a month and, usually, five appointments. First, the initial diagnosis is conducted, then a wax-bite is made in order to measure vertical dimensions and jaw position. After that, the denture is placed in the patient’s mouth for a “try-in”. This will test whether it has complied with the proper fit, shape and color of the mouth. Minor adjustments, then have to be made to make sure the denture will fit perfectly and the color mixes in normally. Finally, during the last appointment, the perfect full denture is then placed in the patient’s mouth.
Dentures do not last forever. Over time, they begin to lose stability and retention. They need to be replaced every 5-7 years, and relined every 2 years.
You can read about other types of dentures and their care, repair and adjustments in some of the articles below.
Just click on the title.
FAQs for Baby’s Teeth During Pregnancy
Although baby teeth take a few months to appear, the development starts in the prenatal stage when the baby is still in his mother’s belly. The primary teeth start developing in the second month of pregnancy while the first molars kick development a few weeks later.
It’s important to note that although tooth development starts in prenatal stage, the tooth enamel takes the time to form.
When pregnant women have gum disease, they have a special bacteria residing in their mouth. From there, these bacteria can easily travel to the bloodstream and affect the development of the fetus in the prenatal stage. Sometimes, this could result in premature birth. Baby born in such situation might have low birth weight.
Stress, whether pregnant or not, can cause major issues when it comes to oral health. Many people grind their teeth when they are stressed, which can easily lead to TMJ. It can also cause broken, cracked, or worn tooth.
Additionally, stress can cause mayhem for bacteria (healthy and unhealthy) in the mouth by causing hormonal imbalance in the body.
When a pregnant woman has dental problems, they can affect the baby indirectly, but it cannot infect unborn babies. Poor oral health can cause a plethora of other health issues, which would affect the prenatal development of the baby. It could also result in premature birth and low birth weight.
It’s important that you inform your dentist if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. When you are pregnant, your dentist will take special care while treating your dental problems. You shouldn’t be exposed to x-rays, and other radiations and your dentist will suggest medication after consideration the prenatal development of your baby and your health.
Dental procedures are safe as they don’t cause premature delivery. However, patients with gum disease can often deliver the baby prematurely.
It’s not true. If you don’t consume enough calcium needed for prenatal development of your baby, your body will take out calcium from your bones, not the teeth.
While the primary (baby) teeth start forming during the first month of pregnancy, first permanent teeth (molars) start their initial development during the fifth month of pregnancy. The tooth enamel starts forming later.
Taking additional fluoride supplements during pregnancy will not affect baby’s teeth. To support proper tooth development in the fetus, pregnant women should try to eat a nutrient-rich diet and live a healthy lifestyle. If you want to take supplements, consult with your doctor. Only take supplements when recommended by your doctor.
Breastfeeding plays a vital role in the healthy development of muscle and bones. Babies fed with breast milk usually have a stronger immune system. When it comes to tooth development, breastfeeding doesn’t offer any advantage over the bottle-fed babies.
Prolonged breastfeeding doesn’t cause any oral health issues in babies. It doesn’t give rise to cavities. However, it’s important that mothers clean their baby’s gums with a soft cloth after breastfeeding or bottle-feeding them to remove sugars and discourage bacteria growth.
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