Dentures - Coventry, CT
Replace Missing Teeth with Esthetic, Functional Dentures
Digital Design, Predictable Treatment, Immediate Solution
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth that surround tissues and bone. Two types of dentures exist, depending on a patient’s oral condition: removable partial and complete. A partial denture is used when some natural teeth remain, while a complete denture is used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are used to restore your smile and function if all or most your teeth have been lost and are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. We design all our full arch restorations using a software technology called Digital Smile Design. An experienced prosthodontist, Dr. Damon Jenkins has advance training facial aesthetics and leverages this digital software to design immediate dentures in Coventry, CT,specifically to improve your smile and basic dental function.
From Overdentures to Hybrid Fixed Dentures
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Dr. Jenkins Discusses Your Options for Tooth Replacement
The immediate denture is a way to restore the patient esthetically and functionally immediately after removal of all his or her teeth. During the analysis of the patient’s mouth, we take measurements for where new teeth will be placed so that they are pleasing to look at and function well. Next we look at the occlusion of the bite to ensure it is even to keep the denture in place, allowing for the patient to chew and speak comfortably. Once we have made all our measurements, we take final impressions, Jaw Relation Record (JRR), or bite registration, and a face bow record. The face bow allows us to mount the case on an artificial jaw and simulate the patient’s jaw movements. The surgery is first performed on the casts and a guide is made of the edentulous ridge to aid the surgeon during surgery. The teeth are then set up according to the information we gathered from the patient’s mouth and then processed. When they are ready, the surgeon removes all the remaining teeth, levels the ridges, and the dentures are delivered.
After surgery, the patient wears the dentures for 24 hours without removing them. This is the only time they should be worn without taking them out of the mouth. After the 24-hour period, we remove the dentures, clean them, and make any final adjustments. We see our denture patients every 1-2 weeks after delivery for adjustments until they are comfortable. This can take anywhere from three weeks to two months. The adjustments include reducing areas of pressure, adjusting the bite and temporary relines of the dentures. Once the edentulous ridges have healed, the temporary reline will fill any voids between the denture and the ridge, creating a stable and comfortable base. The temporary material is not designed to last forever. A final laboratory reline is required.
It takes about six months before the ridges are completely healed and the bony changes have stopped. At this time the dentures will be relined with a permanent acrylic. The immediate denture is used as an impression tray and the impressions are made under function. The patient will be required to be without their dentures for a period of two days while they are relined. Once they are relined, adjustments are made on delivery and one week after. The reline allows the dentures to fit very tight and further adjustments may be require until they feel completely comfortable.
Taking Care of Removable Dentures
Because complete and partial dentures are removable, they may require several adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth. Dentures should be removed each night to be cleaned and brushed. A soft bristle toothbrush or washcloth can be used to clean the tissue and gums. The jaw bone loss that will occur without teeth and normal wear and tear from everyday use may require adjustments to your dentures. Although dentures may require some practice, you will soon adjust and be able enjoy the benefits that a full set teeth can provide!