If you're missing one or more teeth, you may notice a
difference in chewing and speaking. There are options to help
restore your smile.
Bridges help maintain the shape of your face, as well as
alleviating the stress in your bite by replacing missing teeth.
Sometimes called a fixed partial denture, a bridge replaces
missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and
literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have
been. The restoration can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain
or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto
surrounding teeth for support.
Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, a
fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist
An implant bridge attachés artificial teeth directly to the
jaw or under the gum tissue. Depending on which type of bridge
your dentist recommends, its success depends on its
foundation. So it's very important to keep your remaining
teeth healthy and strong.
If you want a smile that's your crowning glory, you may need a
crown to cover a tooth and restore it to its normal shape and
size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its
appearance.
It can cover and support a tooth with a large filling when
there isn't enough tooth left. It can be used to attach a
bridge, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one
that's already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth
that are discolored or badly shaped. It's also used to cover a
dental implant.
If your dentist recommends a crown, it's probably to correct
one of these conditions. Your dentist's primary concern, like
yours, is helping you keep your teeth healthy and your smile
bright -- literally, your crowning glory.
periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures
can replace your missing teeth and your smile. Replacing
missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health.
Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a
person look older. You’ll be able to eat and speak—things that
people often take for granted until their natural teeth are
lost.
There are various types of complete dentures. A conventional
full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after
the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which
may take several months. An immediate complete denture is
inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The
dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient’s
jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the
denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the
healing period.
Even if you wear full dentures, you still must take good care
of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and palate every
morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your
dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help
remove plaque.
teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are
connected by metal framework. Removable partial dentures
attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices
called precision attachments. Precision attachments are
generally more esthetic than metal clasps and they are nearly
invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the fit of
a removable partial denture and they are usually required with
attachments. Dentures with precision attachments generally
cost more than those with metal clasps. Consult with your
dentist to find out which type is right for you.
How long will it take to get used to wearing a denture?
For the first few weeks, your new partial denture may feel
awkward or bulky. However, your mouth will eventually become
accustomed to wearing it. Inserting and removing the denture
will require some practice. Follow all instructions given by
your dentist. Your denture should fit into place with relative
ease. Never force the partial denture into position by biting
down. This could bend or break the clasps.
How long should I wear the denture?
Your dentist will give you specific instruction about how long
the denture should be worn and when it should be removed.
Initially, you may be asked to wear your partial denture all
the time. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it
is the quickest way to identify those denture parts that may
need adjustment. If the denture puts too much pressure on a
particular area, that spot will become sore. Your dentist will
adjust the denture to fit more comfortably. After making
adjustments, your dentist will probably recommend that you
take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and
replace it in the morning.
Will it be difficult to eat with a partial denture?
Replacing missing teeth should make eating a more pleasant
experience. Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into
small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even
pressure on the denture. Avoid foods that are extremely sticky
or hard. You may want to avoid chewing gum while you adjust to
the denture.
Will the denture change how I speak?
It can be difficult to speak clearly when you are missing
teeth. Consequently, wearing a partial denture may help. If
you find it difficult to pronounce certain words with your new
denture, practice reading out loud. Repeat the words that give
you trouble. With time, you will become accustomed to speaking
properly with your denture.
How do I take care of my denture?
Handling a denture requires care. It's a good idea to stand
over a folded towel or a sink of water just in case you
accidentally drop the denture. Brush the denture each day to
remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing your denture helps
prevent the appliance from becoming permanently stained. It's
best to use a brush that is designed for cleaning dentures. A
denture brush has bristles that are arranged to fit the shape
of the denture. A regular, soft-bristled toothbrush is also
acceptable. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can
damage the denture.
Your dentist can recommend a denture cleaner. Look for denture
cleansers with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of
Acceptance. Products with the ADA Seal have been evaluated for
safety and effectiveness.
Some people use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean
their dentures, which are both acceptable. Other types of
household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and
should not be used for cleaning dentures.
Clean your dentures by thoroughly rinsing off loose food
particles. Moisten the brush and apply the denture cleaner.
Brush all denture surfaces gently to avoid damaging the
plastic or bending the attachments.
A denture could lose its proper shape if it is not kept moist.
At night, the denture should be placed in soaking solution or
water. However, if the appliance has metal attachments, they
could be tarnished if placed in soaking solution. Your dentist
can recommend the proper method for keeping your dentures in
good shape.
Will my denture need adjusting?
Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age,
your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the
denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink,
resulting in a loose-fitting denture. Dentures that do not fit
properly should be adjusted by your dentist. Loose dentures
can cause various problems, including sores or infections. See
your dentist promptly if your denture becomes loose.
Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my denture?
You can do serious harm to your denture and to your health by
trying to adjust or repair your denture. A denture that is not
made to fit precisely by a dentist can cause irritation and
sores. Using a do-it-yourself kit can damage the appliance
beyond repair. Glues sold over-the-counter often contain
harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture.
If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks
or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, see your
dentist immediately. In many cases, dentists can make
necessary adjustments or repairs, often on the same day.
Complicated repairs may require that the denture be sent to a
special dental laboratory.
Must I do anything special to take care of my mouth?
Brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily
help prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease that
can lead to tooth loss. Pay special attention to cleaning
teeth that fit under the denture's metal clasps. Plaque that
becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of
tooth decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate
how to properly brush and clean between teeth. Selecting a
balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important.
How often should I see my dentist?
Your dentist will advise you on the frequency of dental
visits. Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth
professionally cleaned are vital for maintaining a healthy
smile.
How can I fill the gap?
A bridge—a device used to replace missing teeth—attaches
artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment
teeth. Bridges can be applied either permanently (fixed
bridges), or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the
abutment teeth—to provide support for artificial teeth—or by
bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth.
Removable bridges are attached to the teeth by either metal
clasps or by precision attachments.
