Esthetics VS Functioning
Working in a dental lab, I always comes into seeing cases where patient is missing some front teeth on top arch, and missing all back teeth on bottom arch, would request a denture made on the top arch, only replacing front teeth. I am not sure if patient is having financial difficulty or maybe their only concern is esthetics. I always wish I have a chance to talk to the patient and explain to them “this will not work”. Why? We chew using our back teeth, without that we cannot chew our food properly and affecting our digestive system and nutrition absorbing ability. As patient eat with their front teeth only, they are constantly applying pressure on the bone that is sitting under their denture where the front teeth were, making it shrink quicker, and affecting the stability of their denture. A lot of the case patient would end up with soft tissue under the bone, compromising chewing function.
Denture Adhesive, when and how to use it
Denture Adhesive, some patients love it, some hate it. It could be useful and provide some security when you have a meal gathering with friends, you sure don’t want your denture to end up on your plate. It would work well if you use the right amount of denture adhesive, and for the right reason. Some patients don’t have a lot of bone remaining in the mouth to support the denture from dislodging, they need denture adhesive. To apply, just put three to four dots with a pencil thickness diameter should be enough. If your denture is loose even after you apply denture adhesive, that means you are not using it for the right reason, you should book an appointment with a dentist or denturist to take a close look at your dentures.
I have a missing tooth, is it necessary to put a denture on?
When you have a missing tooth, the teeth on both sides of it would have a tendency to shift or tilt to take over the open space, or the opposing tooth might continue to grow longer until something stops it, which might affect the esthetic and also functioning of your overall chewing motion. It is recommended to put a “spacer” (a tiny denture we call a “flipper”) to fill the gap and prevent other teeth from taking up the space and maintain the harmony of your natural dentition.
Implant or denture?
For those who are deciding between denture or implants, these might be the factors you need to consider:
- Esthetics – Is it front teeth or back teeth, what does the rest of your teeth looks like?
- Functioning – Implant would give better function
- Price – Denture would be more affordable and easily adjusted, you could always keep a spare set for emergency.
- Bone quality – Implant need very healthy bone to support it or it might get worse and destroy your bone structure
- Dexterity and maintenance – Are you good at keeping your teeth clean? Your implant need to be kept cleaner than your natural dentition
- Your expectation – Implant means better chewing power, but also higher risks
It is a tough choice, even for myself. Eating habits, age, and occupation also plays a role.
Inside and Outside
Seeing a lot of patients who have different difficulties and challenges, it makes me feel heart-warming when I could help them and give them a better life. “Denture” to a lot of people is something they don’t even want to talk about, something disgusting. But to me as a denturist, “denture” is a tool that can bring back people’s smile, brighten up someone’s life, a bonding between me and my patients. I have patient who told me how they haven’t been eating for so long because their ill-fitting denture, someone that who try to avoid talking with coworkers because her denture might fall out, and one who worried that her denture might break anytime. Some patients tell me their only concern is to be able to eat again, while others tell me they just want to look good. Which I think all of the above are important. I am very thankful that I am able to help my patients who worked very hard in their life, and I could now service to them and make them feel great inside and outside. We should never give up no matter what kind of challenges we are facing.
How to maintain oral health when you have denture teeth
A lot of people think that when they no longer have natural dentition, they no longer need to maintain their oral health. However, keeping your gum healthy is the key for keeping your dentures functional. Some maintenance could be done daily to keep your gum healthy. For example, rinse with salt water everyday, massage your gum with your finger, keep your dentures clean, and eat nutritious food.
For implant-supported removable dentures, a visit to the dental hygenist every 12 months to clean your abutment would definitely decrease the chance of implant failure. For fixed implant denture, a more frequent visit to check on your abutment might be needed as it is harder to clean the abutment at home.