Complete Denture

Complete dentures consist of two main parts:

• The Base: This part of the denture is designed to fit snugly over the gums and the alveolar (jaw) ridge. The base is typically made from a pink, gum-colored acrylic material, which provides the appearance of natural gums.
• The Teeth: Artificial teeth are attached to the base. These can be made from various materials, including porcelain or different types of resin. The teeth are designed to replicate the natural appearance and function of real teeth.

Types of Complete Dentures

• Conventional Complete Dentures: These are made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and the gum tissues have healed. Healing may take several months, during which the patient might be without teeth.
• Immediate Dentures: These are prepared in advance and can be positioned as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The advantage of immediate dentures is that the patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, they may require more adjustments to fit properly after the gums shrink and heal, which is a normal part of the healing process.

The Process of Getting Complete Dentures

• Preliminary Impressions: The dentist takes initial impressions of the patient’s oral cavity using a stock tray and dental impression material.
• Final Impressions: Using the preliminary impressions, custom trays are made to fit the patient’s mouth precisely. Final impressions are then taken with these trays to ensure the most accurate representation of the patient’s oral tissues.
• Bite Registration: The dentist records the way the patient’s jaws relate to one another and the space between them. This is crucial for the proper alignment and function of the dentures.
• Wax Try-In: Before the final dentures are made, a mock-up in wax is fitted to check for proper fit, bite, and appearance. This stage allows for adjustments to be made before the final denture is produced.
• Delivery and Adjustment: The final denture is fitted. It’s not uncommon for adjustments to be needed as the patient gets used to the new dentures.

Care and Maintenance

• Dentures should be removed and cleaned daily with a denture cleaner, not toothpaste, which may be too abrasive.
• The mouth and gums should also be cleaned to remove plaque and reduce the risk of oral irritation and bad breath.
• Dentures need to be kept moist when not worn to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape. Soaking them overnight in water or a denture cleaning solution is typically recommended.
  Regular dental check-ups are important to adjust the fit of the dentures as needed and to check the overall oral health of the patient.