Illawarra Denture Clinic

CORRIMAL - 4283 5333 | DAPTO - 4262 5333

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What Types of Dentures Are There?

Should you have missing teeth, there are a lot of replacement options ranging from implants, dentures, to bridges, but your dentist can recommend which is best for you.

In a case where your dentist recommends dentures for your treatment, there are a plethora of dentures available on the market. Each of these are designed using specific materials fit for different purposes. It might be confusing right to choose the right one. However, this article is aimed at explaining the different types of dentures you can get at a denture clinic. 

The options include:

  • Full dentures

Also called complete dentures, these are removable dentures made of upper and lower sets. It’s made from porcelain or acrylic and bonded together by a metal or an acrylic base. You may need full dentures if you’ve lost all your teeth so you can have a better smile again.

Your gum tissue accommodates the upper and lower dentures while suction keeps them in position. To secure your dentures and prevent food particles from hiding beneath them, a denture adhesive is used. At a denture care clinic, full dentures are available and can last between 5 to 10 years if properly cared for and maintained.

  • Fixed bridge

For missing teeth replacement, this treatment involves cementing a crown (artificial tooth) to your remaining natural teeth on both sides. Fixed bridges are more pricey than removable dentures since they’re surgically fixed.

  • Partial dentures

These are used to cover gaps caused by missing teeth. Partial dentures are available for upper and/or lower teeth and are removable if necessary. Should you be missing quite a few teeth, a denture centre can provide this treatment.

  • Cantilever bridge

If you have a missing molar and lack teeth on one side to support the bridge, your dentist may recommend a cantilever bridge. Here, one or more teeth on the opposite side are used to provide support.

  • Snap-on dentures

As the name implies, these dentures snap on and off of implants inserted in your jawbone via surgery. Snap-on dentures stay in place, giving you the liberty to chew your food. Any of our denturists can provide this treatment.

  • Implants

Implants or dental implants look like your teeth roots. Through surgery, implants are inserted into your jawbone, and with time, they get bonded, giving a more natural appearance. Just after surgery or in 6 months, the implants are covered with a prosthetic.

  • Implant-supported fixed dentures

These dentures come with a crown fastened onto implants inserted in your jawbone via surgery. They are held in position by screws. This is part of our denture services at our practice.

  • Flexible dentures

These look natural since they have no metal parts. They’re designed with different materials from the typical partial dentures. You may find them very comfortable to wear. So many flexible dentures are manufactured from thin thermoplastic like nylon and available at a denture dental clinic.

Temporary dentures

Once your teeth have been removed, your dentist will take models of your teeth to design your permanent dentures. Meanwhile, to reduce pressure on your remaining natural teeth during eating, you’ll have to wear temporary dentures–this helps your mouth heal or help with previous issues of sensitive teeth or gums. At Illawarra Denture clinic, we provide these dentures for suitable patients. 

Regardless of which kind of denture you get, taking proper care and maintaining them is important. For people experiencing physical impairments, we also offer a full range of orthotics and prosthetics treatments. 

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What Types Of Foods Should You Avoid When Having Dentures?

As a dentures wearer, it is important to avoid gummy or sticky foods like raisins, peanut butter, marshmallow treats, caramel, and taffy. These food tend to stick to the lower and upper molars of the teeth. The consequent and undesirable effect of this is the displacement of your dentures. You don’t want that, do you? Below, we have explained 5 foods you shouldn’t eat and why you shouldn’t eat them while wearing your dentures. 

  1. Any kind of nut-type butter

It is best to avoid any form of nut butter, whether from almonds, peanut, etc. This is because you’ll find yourself constantly trying to get the remains off the root of your mouth, in addition to your dentures slipping off. Our denturist recommends that you resort to other kinds of spreads like pate or hummus tapenades. 

  1. Any food that is hard to chew

It is pertinent to expound that chewing with dentures requires using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Hence, you should be aware that digging into raw vegetables or biting into a steak can dislodge and destabilise your dentures. You should therefore not eat any hard food that will cause additional pressure on your dentures. Otherwise, you stand the risk of developing sore spots. 

However, we recommend that you cut any hard-to-chew foods into smaller bite-sized pieces. You get to enjoy your meal this way. You don’t have to cancel out veggies (such as carrots) or raw fruits (like pear). All you have to do is blend them into your special smoothie treat. 

  1. Nuts and seeds

Alright, we know how essential nuts are in nutrition and diet. Regardless, we advise denture wearers to be careful with these foods. For one, you can get some little end bits stuck in between your gums and dentures. Also, keep in mind that nuts require a one-sided chewing action when biting down in your mouth. This, therefore, becomes a problem since wearing dentures requires that you chew with a balanced action, i.e., biting down on both sides of the mouth. By implication, excessive pressure on one side of the mouth can cause the denture on the other side to be displaced. 

This is why it’s strongly recommend that you steer clear of nuts when served as a snack. We also advise that you consider seedless types of bread like rye or whole wheat. 

  1. Sticky candy

Our Corrimal dentist advises against the consumption of candies, peanut brittle, and toffee. As a denture wearer, eating candy is a guaranteed way to get your dentures displaced. This is why we frown against it. 

We understand that you can have some cravings for a sweet. You can always try some sugar-free gum, especially because it serves a dual purpose in increasing your saliva production. Saliva serves as a lubricant for dentures. It prevents friction and irritation to the gums. 

  1. Coffee and Tea

First of all, excessive caffeine is not good for health. Moreover, coffee and tea are sure to stain your dentures just as they would with your natural teeth. Also, caffeine has a dehydrating effect that causes ‘dry mouth’. This is bad for denture wearers since they have to be conscious about keeping a moist mouth. However, if you must take any source of caffeine, then ensure you balance it out by taking lots of fluid that will boost the flow of saliva in your mouth. 

In all, do not forget that the most important thing you need when getting used to new dentures is perseverance, patience, and practice. At Illawarra dental clinic, we believe that oral health should not be jeopardised for any reason. Contact us today for more information.

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Tips For Cleaning Your Dentures

Just got a new set of dentures and wondering how best to take care of them? Not to worry as this article is aimed at showing you how to keep dentures stain-free and in tip-top condition.

Whether you’ve got removable partial or full dentures, you can adopt these steps to better care for them:

After eating, take out and rinse dentures

Food particles or debris from your dentures should be rinsed with water. You can stand over a sink full of water or a folded towel to protect your dentures in case they fall.

Take care of your dentures

The plastic or the clasps of the denture should not be damaged or bent as you clean them. You can have denture repairs for worn-out dentures.

After removing your dentures, clean your mouth

Brush your natural teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use the same brush or gauze to clean your tongue, cheeks and palate (roof of the mouth). Take out leftover denture adhesive if you used any.

Clean your dentures every day

Carefully clean your dentures each day. Soak them in a non-toxic denture cleanser to eliminate food particles, plaque, and other debris, and brush with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid the use of denture cleansers inside your mouth. In case you use denture adhesive, remove any excess residue.

Soak your dentures all night long

Keep your dentures moist and in shape by soaking them in water or a mild denture solution throughout the night. Consult your dentist or a  denture clinic on how to store your dentures safely. Adhere to the manufacturer’s guide on cleaning and soaking solutions.

Have your dentures thoroughly rinsed before wearing them again, particularly if a denture solution is used

This is important to avoid pains, burns, or harm to your body as these solutions contain toxic chemicals

Go for routine dental checks

You’ll be told when to come for denture examination and cleaning by your dentist. The insides of your mouth will also be checked to see how healthy it is, and your dentist will fit your dentures snugly, so it stays in position.

Consult your dentist for ill-fitting dentures

Should your dentures lose their grip on your teeth, report this immediately to your dentist. Poorly seating dentures can result in infection, sores, and irritation

Things you should avoid

  1. Hot water – This causes warping of your dentures; making them lose shape
  2. Whitening toothpaste – These products contain an ingredient called peroxide which can alter the colour of your denture.
  3. Abrasive cleaning agents – Keep your dentures away from the impact of hard-bristled brush, harsh toothpaste, and strong cleansers as they’re abrasive enough to cause denture damage
  4. Products containing bleach – Avoid the use of bleaching products on your dentures as they can weaken and alter their colour. Take care not to soak dentures having a metal attachment in chlorine solutions as it will cause corrosion of the metal.

For more tips on denture care, see our Corrimal dentist.

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The Things to Know About Denture Adhesives

Denture adhesive defined

This is made from a non-toxic, water-soluble material, and can be in form of a powder, strip, or paste. It’s used to attach the denture to your gums. The adhesive activates the forces in your mouth to restrict movement and keep your denture still for ease of smiling, talking, and eating.

What are the types of denture adhesives?

  • Denture adhesive strips – Though expensive, this adhesive is first applied directly on your dentures before putting them inside the mouth.
  • Denture adhesive cream – This is a very popular adhesive cream you’ll find in stores and pharmacies.
  • Denture adhesive powder – Powder is mixed in water and used to hold the denture and gum together.

For denture replacement near me, you can visit a professional denturist at our practice. 

So, how does denture adhesive work?

By making use of your mouth’s natural moisture (saliva), the denture adhesive is turned into an elastic-like membrane that will attach the denture to your gum tissues. The adhesive will hold your denture in place, so it doesn’t come loose or fall off easily. Strengthened by the force from the saliva, the adhesive withstands pressure to come apart.

In simple terms, the function of your denture adhesive are:

  • Resist movement – The adhesive establishes a strong force that doesn’t allow any form of movement
  • Denies food particles entrance – Adhesive builds a strong seal that keeps particles of food from getting into the space between your teeth and denture; eliminating possible pain or irritation.

Our dentist can recommend the best adhesive for denture tooth repair.

What are the perks of denture adhesives?

  • A good denture adhesive will hold your denture securely
  • Denture adhesive contains antibacterial ingredients that fight bad breath
  • You can smile, eat, and talk without worrying since the adhesive gives your denture a more secure fit
  • You’ll be more comfortable when you eat as the adhesive creates a seal that doesn’t allow food particles to get stuck between your denture and gums.

When is denture adhesive necessary?

If you’ve had some or all of your teeth removed, you can use dentures. The suction pressure supplied by your denture should be adequate to secure it. However, for you to eat sticky, crunchy, or strong food, you need denture adhesive for more strength.

Again denture adhesive works in cases of gum sensitivity to prevent denture sores. It’s useful during denture repairs to provide a more reliable denture that builds your confidence.

When is it not allowed to use a denture adhesive?

The following cases do not permit the use of adhesive:

  • Poorly fitting dentures – When you’re always using adhesive to secure your dentures, stop the use of adhesive and schedule a dentist appointment for adjustments.
  • Allergies – People can be allergic to anything, including some ingredients in denture adhesive. So if you discover any negative reaction, discontinue the use of the adhesive.
  • Open mouth sores or cuts
  • You have challenges keeping your mouth or dentures clean.

If you are in Corrimal or Dapto, you can visit our expert denturist for helpful tips on caring for your dentures and the need for a denture adhesive. 

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The Key to Keeping Your Dentures in Place

A replacement for missing or removed teeth is dentures. They are carefully designed by your dentist to fit snugly onto your gums so you can chew and smile with confidence. One of the popular materials used by dentists to make dentures is hard resin. With this sensitive substance, your teeth is held in position providing your mouth with the required aesthetic appeal.

If you have any problems with your teeth, your dentist can insert a denture implant over which your denture can be fixed. But as your gum moves regularly, it can make your denture fall off. This can be an unpleasant experience. So, we’ll be showing you how to keep your dentures sturdy.

  • Keep your dentures clean always

Part of your everyday dental hygiene should be maintaining your dentures. Clean them daily so they don’t fall off or change shape. In doing this, avoid the use of toothpaste or other common cleaning agents that are toxic to their structure. It’s recommended that you use a special soft toothbrush for optimum results.

  • Eat carefully and speak slowly

If you’re new to wearing dentures, learn to speak slowly and less as a small force can cause them to fall off. Your eating habits may be altered when using permanent denture implants. Begin with eating softer foods like soup, stewed veggies, and oatmeal. Why? So you don’t break your denture since it’s made of sensitive materials. Work your way up to eating foods like rice and steamed vegetables. With time, you can eat harder foods like bread and meat.

  • Use a denture adhesive

The concern that your new dentures may come loose can be averted when you use the right denture adhesive. These adhesives can be available in form of liquid, powders, or cream. Upon application, it mixes with your saliva building a firm link between your gums and dentures causing them to remain in position. Your denture condition determines the kind of adhesive to be used. See a dentist to be better informed.

  • Don’t sleep with your dentures in

Ensure you remove your dentures at night before sleeping as having them on for longer hours can change the shape of your mouth. Again, it allows your mouth to relax and recover from all that pressure.

  • Keep your dentures in warm water when not in use

Doing this will ensure that your dentures maintain their shape and do not dry out completely.

Key takeaways

Adhering to these tips can keep your dentures in tip-top condition; helping you maintain a good dental health. Should your dentures become weak and look like it’s going to fall off, do well to visit your dentist for help. If you need a fixed partial denture, our dentist can provide one that fits your mouth perfectly. 

You can also book an appointment with us for help with getting acquainted with your new dentures and how to keep them firm and in position. We’ll be glad to provide useful advice to all your concerns.