Dentures

Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth and can be taken out and put back into your mouth. Replacing missing teeth will help to improve your appearance and smile. Dentures can help you eat and speak more comfortably.

Over time, dentures have become an essential part of our lives. That is because when accidents occur, or just natural occurrences like tooth decay or old age, you may find yourself in need of a new tooth or set of teeth. That's where dentures come in.

Dentures can be further described as false teeth designed to replace natural teeth. Like limb prosthetics, dentures are teeth prosthetics meant to replace one or more missing teeth. Loss of teeth can be a traumatizing experience, especially when it happens through no one's fault. That is why you will need to have replacements, usually fake teeth, to restore your smile.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of everything denture related you might need to know from your dental practitioner.

 

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Types of Dentures:

  1. Complete Dentures:

    • Used when all teeth are missing in either the upper or lower jaw.
    • Custom-fitted to the shape of the patient’s mouth.
  2. Partial Dentures:

    • Used when some natural teeth remain.
    • Fill gaps caused by missing teeth and can help prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
  3. Immediate Dentures:

    • Placed immediately after tooth extraction.
    • Allow for esthetic restoration while the gums heal, but may require adjustments later.
  4. Implant-Supported Dentures:

    • Securely anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone.
    • Provide better stability and function compared to traditional dentures.

The Process of Getting Dentures:

  1. Initial Consultation:

    • Assessment of oral health, discussion of options, and treatment planning.
  2. Impressions and Measurements:

    • Impressions of the mouth are taken to create custom dentures.
  3. Trial Fitting:

    • A trial set may be created to check the fit, color, and appearance before the final product is made.
  4. Final Fitting:

    • The final dentures are fitted and adjustments are made for comfort and function.
  5. Follow-Up Appointments:

    • Regular check-ups to ensure proper fit and make any necessary adjustments.

Care and Maintenance:

  • Cleaning: Dentures should be cleaned daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleanser. Soaking them overnight in a denture solution can help maintain hygiene.
  • Oral Hygiene: It's essential to maintain good oral hygiene, even for remaining natural teeth and gums.
  • Regular Check-Ups: Follow-up visits to the dentist are important to monitor fit and condition.

Benefits of Dentures:

  • Restores Functionality: Enables chewing and speaking effectively.
  • Improves Aesthetics: Enhances facial appearance by filling out the smile and preventing sagging.
  • Boosts Confidence: Many people feel more confident with a complete smile.

Potential Challenges:

  • Adjustment Period: It may take time to get used to wearing dentures, and some initial discomfort is common.
  • Dietary Changes: Some adjustments in diet may be necessary, especially with traditional dentures.
  • Bone Resorption: Over time, the jawbone can shrink, affecting the fit of dentures and requiring adjustments or replacements.

Costs:

  • The cost of dentures can vary based on type, materials used, and the facility. Discussing payment options and insurance coverage during the consultation is advisable.

Dentures are a valuable solution for those missing teeth, enhancing both function and appearance. Consulting with a dental professional can provide personalized advice and treatment options. 

 

Denture Cost

At Royal Smiles Dental Clinic,denture costs depend on the type and material they are made of.

A complete denture costs more than a partial denture, and the partial denture will still depend on the number of teeth to be replaced. The material used will also determine the final cost of your denture since some materials are more expensive than others.

Implants and implant-supported dentures are the most expensive because they require surgical procedures on the patient. The crown material of these implants will also compound the final price since many of them are custom-made to fit the patient's desires.

With all these considerations taken, you should be prepared to pay between Kshs. 15,000 and Kshs. 50,000 for your dentures. When exceptional dentures like golden dentures are requested, the costs may go up.

 

FAQs About Dentures

What do dentures feel like for the first time?

People may wonder how new denture teeth will feel on their mouth for the first time. Like any foreign object in the mouth, they will feel odd until you get used to them. The gums may also become sore, and the saliva flow may increase for the first few days, but the mouth will eventually adjust.

Will dentures make me look different?

Other people ask if denture teeth will make them appear different. The answer is NO. Remember, those denture teeth are customized according to your jaw, and therefore they will look like natural teeth. Denture teeth may serve to improve your appearance for the better.

Is eating with denture teeth difficult?

People ask if chewing with denture teeth is difficult. The answer is NO. Although it may take some time to get used to, eating with denture teeth will eventually become normal for the wearer. It is advised to start on soft foods cut into smaller pieces and eventually work your way to normal-sized food. You should also avoid sticky foods, shells, or bones as they may damage your denture teeth. Also, you should not use toothpicks or chewing gum while wearing your denture teeth.

Will denture teeth change how I speak?

Still, some wonder if denture teeth will affect their speech. The answer is NO. Wearing denture teeth may at first make pronouncing some words difficult, but after some practice, you will be able to go back to normal speech patterns.

Are denture teeth always worn?

Whether you will wear the denture teeth all the time is also a common question. The answer is NO. Your doctor may ask you to keep the denture teeth on all the time for the first few days to identify any areas that need adjustment, but after that, they should be removed when going to bed. Removing denture teeth before bed gives your gums time to relax and avoids dislodging the dentures.

Can I adjust or repair denture teeth myself?

People ask if they can repair or adjust their denture teeth. The answer is NO. You should not attempt to repair or adjust denture teeth as that can permanently damage them. If your denture teeth need repairs, contact your prosthodontist so that he or she can work on them professionally.

Will denture teeth need to be replaced?

Another common question about denture teeth is whether they need replacing. The answer is YES. Your denture teeth will eventually wear out and get loose. Causes for these are wear and tear and old age. As you age, the jaw bone and gums will change, and the denture teeth will need to be replaced. The standard time frame for replacing dentures is between 5-7 years.

How do I clean my mouth with denture teeth?

One of the frequently asked questions about dentures is how to clean the mouth when wearing them. It is advised to continue brushing the gums and palate every day before wearing your denture teeth. Doing this avoids the risk of infection and ensures no particles are held between the denture teeth and the gums, which will be uncomfortable for you. If you were partial denture teeth, do not forget to remove them before brushing the rest of the mouth. Remember that regular toothpaste will cause damage to your denture teeth.

How often should I visit the doctor with denture teeth?

People will also ask how often they should visit their prosthodontist and whether it is necessary. Denture teeth will need to be adjusted and examined for essential repairs. So, it is crucial to schedule visits to the doctor now and then. Besides, your mouth also needs to be examined for any infections to the gums or palate. The standard time frame for such visits should be six months, but your doctor may lengthen or shorten the time depending on your needs.

Conclusion

Just like teeth braces, denture teeth should be handled with great care. Only a qualified doctor should examine or repair your denture teeth. Remember that accidental damages or breakages to the denture teeth will mean a complete overhaul, which will be unnecessarily costly to you.

Never use a regular toothbrush or toothpaste to clean your denture teeth, as they can irreparably get damaged. If you need to consult a doctor about dentures, contact the Royal Smiles Dental Clinics for the best denture services.

We offer a wide range of dental services including provision of dentures, orthodontic treatment, emergency dental care, dental examination, dental x-rays, tooth extraction, fillings, teeth cleaning and whitening, dental implants, gum disease treatment, root canal treatment, teeth splinting, and TMJ treatment.

 

You can also contact us on our overall phone number via text, WhatsApp, or phone call. The number is 0732685292.

You can also email us at our overall email address which is info@royalsmilesclinic.com.

You can also make a reservation for a session with our doctors using our online booking platform. You can access the platform by clicking HERE.