Tooth loss can occur for many reasons (gum disease, decay or trauma). Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for many years now. The loss of your teeth can have negative effects on your self-confidence, your ability to chew food and your bite. Since your teeth provide structure and support to your cheeks, tooth loss can also result in the sagging of your cheeks and make you appear older than you are. Dentures are removable replacements for your teeth, designed to look and function like your own natural teeth and surrounding gum tissues. At Ash Tree House we pride ourselves in constructing dentures that are very realistic, natural, and comfortable.
When all your teeth are missing, a complete denture is used to replace them, whereas if only a few teeth need replacing, a partial denture is used. Partial dentures can prevent your existing healthy teeth from shifting following tooth loss.
Dentures are generally fabricated from acrylic resins. However, with advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, there are a wide variety of materials available for dentures, and your dentist may give you some options, including the latest flexible Valplast cosmetic dentures. Chrome Dentures (Metal based dentures) can also be used to provide extra retention and stability for the denture.
These are comfortable and non rigid dentures. The innovation of the Valplast flexible denture allows the denture to adapt to the constant movement and flexibility of the mouth. These dentures are virtually invisible and very flexible.
Dentures should be held in place by their natural suction to your gums; sometimes a fixative may also be used. Dentures can be fixed securely in place by dental implants or mini implants, which can give you the confidence to eat whatever you want without having to worry about your dentures coming loose or falling out.
This depends on many factors, including how you take care of them and also how much you use them in terms of general wear and tear. Over time, dentures can become loose as your gums shrink and your bite changes. Denture teeth can also wear down. When this happens, you may need a new set of dentures, or in some cases, a simple modification of your existing dentures may solve the problem. It is essential that you visit the dentist regularly to have a check up on the status of your denture and oral health.
On your first appointment, the dentist will assess your needs and thoroughly examine your mouth for suitability for dentures. You may need dental treatment to get your teeth and gums into good health before commencing any treatment.
A dental technician will make your dentures to your dentist’s exact specifications. An upper or lower denture can take about 2 to 4 weeks to complete with an appointment each week. (The dentures can be made quicker if required.) At each visit, various impressions and denture try in’s are completed before moving onto the next stage. Your dentist will liaise closely with the dental technician throughout this period. The result will be an outstanding denture that is both comfortable and natural looking.
In cases where teeth need to be extracted, the structure of your gums and surrounding tissues need to heal before your final dentures are made. In such cases, an immediate temporary denture will be placed to enable the gums and surrounding tissue to heal properly. Immediate dentures can be easily modified during the healing process, which could take several months.
A full written estimate will be provided prior to the commencement of treatment.