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Artificial teeth or dentures can be divided into two types: fixed
dentures and removable dentures. In fitting a fixed denture, the
dentist will need to use the method called "bridges" to
attach the false teeth with the neighboring natural teeth, which
is similar to constructing a bridge across a canal. Those natural
teeth will be ground down so that the crowns forming a part of the
fixed denture can be fixed on them.
A bridge can be done provided that the neighboring natural teeth
are strong enough to provide stability and support for the bridge.
The method is, thus, suitable for patients who have lost few of
their teeth and their remaining natural teeth are still healthy.
In case those remaining teeth are not strong enough, dental implants
can be surgically placed into the jawbone to provide stability and
support for the bridge instead.
The advantage of a fixed denture over a removable denture is that
the artificial teeth will be close to the natural teeth both in
appearance and efficiency. Its drawback lies in the difficulty in
cleaning since it cannot be removed for thorough cleaning.
A removable denture is suitable for the patient who has lost all
teeth on either jaw or lost a great number of teeth, with the remaining
teeth too few or too weak to hold a bridge. In such case, the denture
will be supported by the gum bones or the alveolar ridge.
If some natural teeth remain, these teeth as well as the alveolar
ridge will help hold and support the denture, preventing it from
slipping and shifting while chewing food. A removable denture can
be identified by metal clasps on the natural teeth.
"When none of the natural teeth are left, artificial teeth
attached onto gum-like base will be fitted over the alveolar ridge,
which serves as the denture's sole support. The lack of stability
and support from the natural teeth will cause the denture to slip
and become loose easily, and especially when the wearer's alveolar
ridge has shrank over time. However, this problem can nowadays be
solved by the help of dental implants, which will confer the necessary
hold and support for the denture.
Removable dentures, both partial and complete ones, have the advantage
of easy and thorough cleaning. Unlike fixed dentures, they do not
closely resemble and work as well as the natural teeth. Metal clasps
can be noticeable, food is not well grinded, and food debris can
get stuck under the denture."
Wearing dentures can cause some irritation and soreness to the
gums or other tissues in the mouth. With fixed dentures or bridges,
it is usually common for wearers to experience gingivitis, dental
decays, and bad breath due to the difficulty in cleaning.
New removable dentures may feel awkward at first, but wearers will
gradually get accustomed to them over time. Another common problem
of removable artificial teeth is that they can become loose as a
result of the resorption of alveolar ridge. The removable denture
will exert considerable forces and pressure on the alveolar ridge
while chewing and consequently causes sores in the mouth. This problem
is a sign that the wearers need to revisit their dentists as soon
as possible.
Dental decays and gingivitis are also prevalent among removable
denture wearers for there are more crevices where food debris and
plaque can lodge, particularly around the teeth fixed with metal
clasps of the denture.
Denture wearers should know how to give a proper care and clean
to their artificial teeth. Fixed denture or bridge wearers should
regularly clean their dentures, particularly the area under the
bridge, by using a dental floss and a proxa-brush after each meal
and before bedtime. Should the wearers experience sensitivity in
their teeth, gingival inflammation, or offensive breath, they should
see their dentists promptly. Above all, fixed denture wearers should
have a dental checkup every six months because there could be dental
decays under the crowns or some other gum diseases that the wearers
do not know of.
Like fixed dentures, removable dentures need to be cleaned on a
regular basis. After each meal, the removable denture should be
taken out, cleansed and brushed thoroughly before being placed back
on. At bedtime, the denture should be kept in fresh water or denture-cleansing
solution. Removable dentures should not be worn at night so that
the gums can have a break. If any problems occur, be it loosening,
pain, irritation, gingivitis, or bad breath, see your dentists immediately.
Removable denture wearers should also visit their dentists every
six months to check for any decays or gum diseases.
Despite the increasing technological advances in dentistry, everyone
needs to take a good and regular care of their oral health. Otherwise,
not only your personality and the appearance of your face and profile
can be negatively affected, but a great amount of your time and
money also need to be spent on extra dental care while the present
economic situation calls for saving up.
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