Dentures - A Removable Appliance

What are Dentures?

Dentures are removable dental appliances, which are made to replace missing teeth. There are several different types of dentures which are designed at Camp Hill Dental to accommodate each person's specific needs.

What are dentures made of?

• Acrylic dentures are hard tooth and gum coloured plastic with inserts of stainless steel retainers.
• Chrome dentures are made with a stainless steel framework for strength and greater retention together with the tooth and gum coloured acrylic parts for aesthetics.

Both types of dentures give a pleasant aesthetic result by filling-in the spaces left by missing teeth.

What are the different types of dentures?

There are two major classifications used to identify different types of dentures - full or partial dentures.

• A full denture replaces an entire set of teeth (such as the upper and/or lower rows of teeth). Full dentures are made of acrylic material only.
• A partial denture is designed to replace a small section of missing teeth and is used to enhance the appearance of your smile and prevent the existing surrounding natural teeth from shifting positions.

Implants May Assist in the Retention of Dentures

Implants are titanium screws that are used to replace the root portion of the tooth. They can be positioned under full dentures for retention of the appliance, by placing screws from the denture into the implant. Implants under partial dentures are generally of the magnetic type to aid denture retention.

Denture Care

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices when fitted with a denture. Below are a few helpful hints to assist you in looking after your removable appliance:

1. Remove and clean the denture and gently brush the soft tissues of the mouth that support the appliance, after each snack or meal.
2. Toothpaste can be highly abrasive to the materials used in the denture. Try to use less abrasive cleaning products, such as liquid soap or detergent.
3. Dentures are extremely slippery when wet. Clean dentures over a half filled basin of water or place a towel in the basin, as this will hopefully prevent accidental damage to the appliance.
4. Always remove dentures at night.
5. Always keep the denture in water when not in your mouth, as this will prevent warping of the denture.

For more helpful suggestions on how to look after your denture, please speak to one of the health care practitioners at Camp Hill Dental.