What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable replacement teeth used to fill the gaps left behind by missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth and gums that are made to specifically take the form of the patient’s jaw for a snug fit. You can use dentures when missing just a single tooth or even a complete set on either the lower or upper jaw.

History of Dentures

Dentures or false teeth can be traced back to as early as the 7th century BC. Back then, they were not really false teeth as real teeth from another human or animal were used to make them. The Etruscans were the first people known to make dentures and use dentures before other societies later joined in. During the time, dentistry was still at its infancy and procedures to save the tooth like root canals were yet to be developed. This meant that most people hardly managed to keep all their natural teeth, especially around the 1700S when sugar become popular and available throughout Europe.

The earliest form of dentures had some drawbacks in terms of fit, comfort, attachment and durability. This is because, to replicate the gums, materials like wood, hardened rubber and metal were used. These made the dentures uncomfortable to wear and difficult to mold, thus problems with fitting and attachment. For the teeth, different materials ranging from ivory to vulcanite to human teeth were used in an attempt to make the teeth appear real.

Luckily, in the early 20th century, the presence of new technology and new skill sets allowed for better dentures to be made. Dentists realized that using moldable materials like acrylic makes dentures easy to manipulate and thus you are to get a more comfortable fit. Acrylic resin can be matched to real gum tissue while the prosthetic teeth attached onto the dentures are also made to match your natural teeth using the same resin.

Types of Dentures

At Harmony Dental Care, we provide different types of dentures depending on the needs of the patient. They include:

• Partial Dentures

They are designed to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of a plate made from either plastic, nylon or metal that has a number of prosthetic teeth attached to it. The plate is made in a way that allows it to clip to some of your natural teeth for support. You can easily unclip and remove them for cleaning or when sleeping.

• Complete Dentures

Also known as full dentures and are used when missing teeth in the entire lower or upper jaw. This type of denture is often fitted immediately your teeth are removed. They fit snugly over the gums and jawbone and are held in place with suction. Sometimes an oral adhesive may be used but they still remain removable just like partial dentures.

• Immediate Dentures and Overdentures

Immediate are prepared before the teeth being replaced have even been removed and are to be used immediately after extraction and during the healing process. However, once healing is complete, they are removed so that permanent dentures can now be fitted.

For patients with few natural teeth left, overdentures are a great and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures. They are fitted over the roots of natural teeth which they rest on, or rest on dental implants.

How Dentures Are Prepared

When you visit a dental clinic to get dentures in Oshawa, ON, the dentist begins by taking impressions of your gums. If the tooth is yet to be removed, preparations will be made to have it pulled and you’ll be given time to completely heal before the impressions are taken. Next, the dentist will try to determine the proper bite and occlusion of your teeth. This is done by placing wax rims in your mouth. As this is being done you have the chance to discuss the size, shape and color of your false teeth so that the dentist sends your specifications to the lab for fabrication. The lab will then prepare a mockup and send it to your dentist for fitting. If need be, adjustments are made and then the final prosthetic is prepared.

To learn more about denture teeth, make an appointment today to meet our dentist.