Dentures provide a fresh opportunity for those needing a smile makeover, offering a chance to craft a natural-looking smile that can last for years. Like a well-crafted painting, each set of dentures requires the right combination of materials and a skilled hand to ensure a beautiful and comfortable result.
This article will explore the process of fitting dentures, designing a natural smile, selecting the right shade of teeth, improving comfort and fit, and providing proper dental care.
Types of Dentures
The types of dentures available for creating a natural look include immediate, partial and full dentures.
Partial dentures are a type of removable denture that replace only a few missing natural teeth. The partial denture may be made of false teeth that are connected to a metal or acrylic resin framework.
Full dentures are a type of removable denture that replaces all of the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw. False teeth are attached to a plastic base and held in place by suction or a metal clasp.
Immediate dentures are a type of removable denture that is placed directly after the removal of the natural teeth. Artificial teeth are attached to a plastic base and held in place by suction or a metal clasp.
Permanent dentures, such as dental implants, are a permanent solution to missing natural teeth. They are surgically implanted into the jawbone and covered with a natural-looking dental crown.
No matter the type of denture, they all offer a natural-looking smile and can give a person their confidence back. With the right care, dentures can last for many years. It is important to visit the dentist regularly to ensure the dentures are fitting correctly and that the oral health is good.
The Denture Fitting Process
Fitting dentures requires a careful process to ensure proper positioning and stability. This is to make sure that the dentures fit comfortably and securely, function effectively, and provide the wearer with a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
The process typically begins with an initial examination to assess the condition of the mouth, teeth, and gum tissue. From there, impressions of the mouth are taken to create a model of the mouth, which is used to craft the dentures.
Conventional dentures, sometimes referred to as traditional dentures, are made of acrylic and can be used to replace a full or partial set of missing teeth. Upper dentures are designed to fit the upper arch of the mouth, while lower dentures are designed to fit the lower arch. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, are held in place by two or more dental implants and provide a more secure fit.
Once crafted, the dentures are tested for fit, comfort, and stability. Any adjustments needed to ensure a good fit are then made. The dentures are then checked to make sure they are able to function properly and are free of any food particles. For conventional dentures, denture adhesive may be recommended to ensure a secure fit.
The final step is to make sure the dentures fit securely and comfortably and function properly. This includes making sure that the dentures are not pressing against the gum tissue or soft tissue of the mouth. Well-fitting dentures should be able to stay in place without the need for denture adhesive or implants. With the right fit, a natural-looking smile can be crafted, providing the wearer with increased confidence and a better quality of life.
Designing a Natural Smile
Creating an aesthetically pleasing result requires careful consideration of the overall shape, size, and colour of the teeth. In designing a natural-looking smile, modern dentures allow the patient to choose from a wide range of styles and materials. For those with complete tooth loss, the denture teeth must be securely attached to a metal framework that is supported by the gums and jawbone.
The cost of dentures may vary depending on the selection of denture materials, but the life span of dentures is greatly increased with regular maintenance. This includes daily brushing with a denture brush and a soft denture brush and the use of denture cleaners. A dental impression is also taken to ensure the best fit, and regular checkups should be done to ensure the denture fits properly.
To maintain a beautiful smile, it is important to follow these steps:
- Brush teeth daily with a denture brush or soft denture brush.
- Rinse dentures with denture cleaner.
- Visit the dentist regularly for checkups and to get a dental impression.
Selecting the Right Shade of Teeth
Choosing the appropriate shade of denture teeth is critical for achieving an aesthetically pleasing result. The colour of the teeth should complement the patient’s facial muscles, as well as whether the denture is a full or partial denture.
For full dentures, a lighter shade of teeth may be used to help with the transition from the metal clasps to the facial muscles, which is especially important if the denture is ill-fitting or if the patient has experienced significant bone loss.
For partial dentures, a darker shade of teeth may be used to help blend with the existing teeth.
If the patient has an implant-retained denture or temporary dentures, it is important to ensure that the shade of the teeth will match the final result.
Making the appropriate choice of denture teeth shade is best done in consultation with a dental prosthetist.
Additionally, the patient should be instructed on how to properly care for the denture and keep their denture teeth looking natural by avoiding hard foods and using denture fixatives when needed.
Improving Comfort and Fit
Adjusting the denture to improve comfort and fit is an important aspect of successful denture treatment. For denture patients, it is crucial to practice good oral hygiene and to brush their dentures with a soft-bristled brush routinely. This helps to remove any plaque or debris from the denture surface. Additionally, caring for dentures by cleaning them regularly and using denture glue can help to ensure a better fit.
Furthermore, when fitting dentures, it is essential to consider the jaw bone and gum disease of the patient. If the patient has experienced bone loss due to gum disease, a bone graft may be necessary to ensure proper fit.
Dental Care for Dentures
Maintaining proper oral hygiene and cleaning dentures regularly is an integral part of ensuring comfort and fit for denture wearers. It is important to take proper care of dentures to avoid bad breath, fungal infections, and sore spots.
Here are four tips to ensure proper care and a beautiful smile:
- Store dentures at night in a glass of warm water or a denture cleanser to prevent normal wear and tear.
- Use mild soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean dentures in the morning and at night.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles from dentures.
- Schedule regular professional dental care to ensure dentures fit correctly and look their best.
Other Cosmetic Options
For those seeking to improve their oral aesthetics, there are other cosmetic options available for consideration. Denture bases, the material used to create the denture, can be crafted out of acrylic resin, chrome, and other materials to ensure a natural look. Additionally, dentures can be adjusted, bleached, and shaped to fit the measurements of the patient’s mouth to ensure the best fit possible.
It is also important to regularly sanitise dentures to ensure that any biofilms that may form on the denture are removed. Dentures also have flanges and acrylic denture teeth that can be customised to provide a natural look that is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, chrome dentures have the advantage of lasting longer than acrylic dentures.
All of these cosmetic options can be considered when crafting a beautiful smile.
Key Takeaways
Dentures have come a long way in terms of design, comfort, and fit. With the right denture fitting process and the help of a skilled professional, it is possible to create a natural-looking smile that can last for many years.
Approximately 1.5 million Australians are estimated to wear dentures, with an additional 3 million using them worldwide. With the right combination of design and care, dentures can be a great option for restoring a beautiful smile.
If you are looking for dentures that provide a natural look and fit, look no further than SmileWorks Dental Doreen, VIC. Our experienced dentists in Doreen are dedicated to creating the perfect denture fit and design to give you a beautiful, long-lasting smile. Schedule your appointment today to discover the perfect set of dentures for you!
Dr Ayesha Aijaz, a dentist in Doreen, is the Director and Founder of SmileWorks. With over 20 years of experience, she excels in cosmetic dentistry, early intervention, and family dental care. Dr Ayesha Aijaz is passionate about creating beautiful smiles, educating parents, and supporting community causes close to her heart.
