DENTURES (METALLIC)

Even if you lose your teeth, there is no need to lose hope; dentures can restore your smile and your confidence.
Removable dentures can be complete or partial, so, there is no limit to the number of teeth dentures can replace. Partial dentures can be metallic or purely acrylic.
The acrylic denture is usually an interim denture used before the definitive metallic denture.
The metallic denture has a metallic framework and metallic parts that sit on the remaining teeth.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The procedure usually requires multiple visits. Your dentist will introduce himself to you and discuss the procedure with you; he will also carry you along from start to finish. He will take a brief history from you, examine your mouth and take radiographs if necessary.

Sometimes, some surgical procedures may be required before the dentures are fabricated for you and if any surgical procedures are done, your mouth will have to heal for 6 weeks before the process of denture fabrication begins.

Your dentist will take a primary impression of your mouth which is used to make a study cast, a design for the denture is also made on that cast.

On the second visit, tooth preparations are done and a secondary impression is taken. The tooth preparations are done to remove some tooth material in order to make allowances for the metallic parts that will sit on the remaining teeth. Your dentist will also select colour shades for the base of the denture and the artificial teeth.

On another visit, the metallic framework of the denture is tried-in. If the framework is satisfactory, it is sent back to the laboratory for fabrication of a trial denture.

On yet another visit, the wax trial denture is tried-in. If the trial denture is satisfactory, it will be processed into the final material and fitted at a final visit. The number of visits may be more if there are no teeth behind the missing teeth and if your dentist needs to do a bite registration to ensure the new teeth are in line with the remaining teeth. Follow up visits are 24 hours, 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, yearly recall visits after fitting.

POST-PROCEDURE CHECKLIST

  • Ensure you keep to the follow-up appointments
  • Inform your dentist of any concerns, complaints, irritation or pain you may experience after the denture is fitted
  • Maintain good oral hygiene
  • Keep your dentures clean. Ask your dentist to teach you how
  • Adhere to the post-procedure instructions
  • See your dentist every six months even if you have no complaints or discomfort. These visits are separate from the follow-up visits.

FAQ

Are dentures permanent?

Your dentures will need to be reviewed from time to time and may need repair or replacement after a while.

Would the metal be visible when I smile or talk?

One aim of denture fabrication is to restore aesthetics and this is a huge consideration in the fabrication of your denture. The denture will be fabricated in such a way that will minimize visibility of the metal. 

Would the metal feel uncomfortable?

A good denture is designed to not feel too different from your mouth and would also not hurt the tissues in your mouth.

ADDITIONAL INFO

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