Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth or extracted teeth.  There are two types of denture:

1. A partial denture uses the remaining natural teeth to hold the denture in place
2. A complete denture is a replacement of all teeth. It stays in place by adhesion.

There are two types of complete denture:

• Immediate denture
• Conventional denture

An immediate denture is a denture made prior to extracting all teeth. The dentist inserts the denture immediately following tooth extraction. Immediate denture serves as a temporary denture for a cosmetic reason while the bone healing process is in progress. It also helps minimize facial distortion due to missing teeth, assist in pronunciation, reduce bleeding and protect the tissue during the healing process.

After initial placement of an immediate denture, several follow-up visits to the dental office are necessary for adjustments and re-fitting with a soft reline material.   The added reline material fills in the gap created by the healing process of the bone.  In general, the healing process completes within six months or less after extraction.  Following the healing of the bone, the dentist may replace the soft reline material with a permanent reline or a new conventional denture.

Note: If there are posterior and anterior teeth involve in the extraction prior to immediate denture; the posterior teeth will be extracted 6-8 weeks before a fabrication of an immediate denture begins. This practice ensures a better registration of natural occlusion prior to extraction of all teeth.

For people who prefer not to have an immediate denture; the conventional denture can be made 6-8 weeks, after the healing of the soft tissue at the extracted site. Following by the relining of the denture, approximately six months after the healing of the bone. 

Lower denture with mini implants

The strength of staying in place for both upper and lower dentures based on the adhesion effect between the dentures and the gum tissue.

Upper complete denture has a higher successful rate of adherence than lower complete denture.  The palate provides a larger area for the denture to adhere compare to the lower mandibular ridge.  In some cases, when a mandibular ridge is too narrow or flat, the dentist may add mini implants to enhance denture stability.

Adaptation to new dentures may require 4-6 weeks. In lower denture, the patient may need to use facial muscles and tongue to assist in stabilizing the denture.  Occasionally, the lower denture tends to move sideways during mastication. Applying denture adhesive to the denture base will increase adhesion quality and in turn, improve denture efficiency.  In upper denture, the patient may need to learn to tolerate gag reflex.

List of powder denture adhesives without zinc are:

1. Holdtite denture adhesive powder, it's ingredients include Acacia, Karaya Gum, Sodium Borate.


2. PoliGrip Super Denture Adhesive Powder, Extra Strength 1.6 oz, it's ingredients include: Cellulose gum, poly(methylvinylether/maleic acid) sodium-calcium mixed partial salt, flavor.


3. Klutch powder size: 1.75 oz, it's ingredients include: Karaya powder, acacia gum, sodium borate, and methyl salicylate.


4. Perma-grip powder size: 4 oz,  it's ingredients include Polyethylene, Carboxymethylcellulose, Polytec Polymer, Peppermint Oil, FD&C Blue 2, FD&C Red 40.


5.  Secure Denture Adhesive - doesn't dissolve in water, long lasting bond, requires only small amount per day, contains Aloe Vera, Myrrh, Miglyol, Poly Vinyl Acetate, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose 

MDI - Mini Dental Implants