How Do Dentures Work?

When one experiences tooth loss, they often turn to their dentist in Downtown Toronto or a periodontist. The dentist will advise them on the right method to replace their missing teeth. One main way is through dentures.

A denture is a removable appliance that acts as a replacement for your missing teeth. It also becomes a replacement for tissues that may have been damaged due to tooth loss or gum disease.

Dentures exist in two forms: partial dentures and full dentures. If you wonder whether dentures are right for you, we’ve provided answers in this guide. In addition, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about dentures.

What are Complete Dentures?

Complete dentures exist in two types: immediate and conventional. Conventional dentures are created after a tooth is removed and the underlying bones and gum tissue have already healed. In most cases, conventional dentures are usually ready for your mouth within eight to twelve weeks after your tooth has been extracted.

On the other hand, immediate full dentures are made in advance and can be placed as soon as your tooth is extracted. Also, you don’t have to be without teeth while your bone and gums heal. However, without teeth in your bone, your gums and bone will shrink.

This happens especially during the healing period immediately after extractions. Because of this, immediate dentures need more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process. Therefore, it should only be used as a temporary denture until permanent dentures are made.

What Are Partial Dentures?

These are removable dentures. They normally consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. This is connected by a metal framework that holds your partial denture in the mouth. The denture attaches to or snugly fits against surrounding teeth.

Partial dentures are placed when one or several natural teeth remain in your lower or upper jaw.

How are Dentures Made?

Each partial or complete denture is custom-made to fit the shape and size of your mouth. Due to each person’s unique nature, the development process takes several weeks and needs a series of dental appointments. Your Little Italy dentist in Rusholme Family Dentistry will make an impression on your jaw. First, they’ll take the impression of your mouth to determine whether your lower and upper jaw relate.

They’ll make molds and each other form of dentures from the impressions. The dentist will give you a model to see how the dentures will fit. After making the necessary adjustments, your final denture will be made using a sample mold.

What will Dentures Feel Like?

Dentures feel different for each individual like other wearable oral devices such as retainers. In most cases, they might feel loose or strange for the first few weeks until the muscles of the cheeks and tongue keep them in place. It’s also normal to experience minor irritation when first wearing them. However, the irritation diminishes in time.

Will I Speak or Look Differently?

Due to their unique and custom design, dentures in Downtown Toronto, are made to fit the appearance of your natural teeth. Therefore, there will be only a minimal change in appearance. After getting your new dentures, you’ll find certain words difficult to pronounce. However, with time and practice, you’ll become accustomed to speaking with your dentures.

How Long Do Dentures Last?

The teeth on a denture are usually made from resin or porcelain. In the past, porcelain was preferred as it was stronger and more durable. Sometimes, porcelain is still used because it feels similar to natural teeth. Also, the dentist’s process of hardening the porcelain teeth makes them harder, resulting in a stronger and more durable denture.

However, the main disadvantage of porcelain dentures in Downtown Toronto is that they can break when dropped. Also, they can wear down the natural teeth if the teeth bite against them. For these reasons, porcelain material is used in full dentures instead of partial dentures.

Today, the acrylic resin has grown in popularity as the material used to make dentures. This is because acrylic adheres better to the base of the denture. It’s also easier to operate, weighs less, and is significantly less expensive than porcelain dentures. However, the disadvantage of dentures made from acrylic resin is that they wear faster than porcelain dentures. As a result, you need to replace dentures made from acrylic resin every five to eight years.