Partial Dentures - no metal Valplast partial dentures

We've been placing a lot of VALPLAST® partial dentures recently, due to their great non-metal look and very comfortable fit- even the clasps are plastic. However, they are not for everyone. The support for this kind of partial denture is the ridge itself, so it can't be used when there is not strong/firm enough ridge to support this partial denture. This partial also works very well for replacing only one or a few teeth

examples of valplast partial dentures

Here's a valplast case we completed at this office:

Here are some other designs/types of partial dentures for patients who can't wear Valplast®:

Complete Dentures

Dentures are replacement teeth that can be removed. Many people who are missing one tooth, several teeth, or all their teeth benefit greatly from dentures. A denture improves your chewing and speech, and supports your facial muscles. It makes a big difference in your appearance and your smile, boosting self-confidence. Made from acrylic resin, most dentures are very natural-looking and can be matched in color and appearance to your other teeth. It usually requires several visits over the course of a month to take the impressions and make sure your dentures fit right. These multiple appointments are necessary for receiving all the benefits you'll gain from them-your increased ability to chew, a great-looking smile and speaking with confidence.

Complete dentures are for people who have no teeth in their lower or upper jaw, or both jaws. In addition to the other suggestions for denture care listed below, complete dentures should be removed and cleaned two or three times daily to keep your gums healthy and allow your tissues to relax.

One good way of keeping lower dentures in place is by using dental implants.
Dental Implants are placed in the jawbone, and custom attachments are made to hold the denture to the implants. (the clear plastic seen here is just a lip and tongue retractor for the photo)

Immediate Dentures

If a tooth is damaged and cannot be restored, you and your dentist may decide to create a temporary denture. That way, the dentist can pull your tooth (teeth) and you can wear the temporary denture until your mouth heals enough to make the real denture. This temporary denture allows you to continue with your professional and social commitments without showing a gap in your smile.

At this office, when we do an immediate denture, it is called a TWIN denture. The TWIN denture system involves making your real denture to the point of right before it is processed (the teeth are set in wax only), and a TWIN (immediate) denture is made at the same time and processed.

The TWIN denture is temporary, and the front eight teeth are tooth colored - the back teeth are gum-colored, the same as the rest of the denture.

The TWIN denture is inserted the day that your teeth are extracted, and the real denture is kept at the office. In about 2-3 months, when your tissue has healed from the extractions, we see you in the office to continue work on the real denture. At that time, we have the opportunity to "try in" the real denture, make any cosmetic adjustments if necessary (since these teeth are set in wax only) and take a final impression on your healed ridge inside the denture. The denture is then inserted a week later, and you keep the TWIN as a backup, in case your denture needs repair.

Getting Used to Your Dentures
Even dentures that fit beautifully require an adjustment time. At first, you may experience minor speech changes and some eating difficulties. You may also notice an increased flow of saliva during this period. While you're getting used to your dentures, you may want to keep high-profile events to a minimum and give yourself time to adjust. You may also want to start with soft food that is easy to chew, while your comfort level increases. Some denture wearers notice a slight change in their facial appearance. Knowing what to expect helps to anticipate normal adjustments for denture wearers and to effectively manage them. While the dentist may advise you to wear your dentures initially at night, normally you will remove your dentures while you sleep. Taking a break for eight hours gives your tongue and saliva a chance to do its natural job of cleaning and stimulating your gums.

Caring For Your Dentures

• Handle with care

• Remove and brush daily

• Use a brush and cleansers designed for dentures

• Don't use abrasive cleaners or abrasive toothpastes, which will leave scratches

• Don't sterilize your denture in boiling water or in the dishwasher; the hot water will warp the denture

• If you wear a partial denture, remove it before you brush your natural teeth and clean it carefully with a brush and cleanser

• When the denture is not in your mouth, soak it in a glass of water or cleanser. Dry dentures can become brittle and crack or break.

• Keep your denture in the same place and away from children and pets - to keep it safe and reduce the chances of losing or misplacing it.

• Have your mouth and the denture checked at least once yearly by your dentist.

See also Denture Adhesives