Dr. Tariq Jagnarine
Family Medicine, Endocrinology/ Diabetes
Dentures — commonly known as false teeth — are fitted to act as a prosthesis for missing teeth. They’re often made of acrylic, nylon, or metal. They can be used in place of one tooth, several, or all the teeth, and they fit snugly over the gums.
Properly fitted dentures have numerous benefits, including improving speech, eating capabilities, and self-confidence. It can also help to prevent the face from sagging over time, and may offer protection to the remaining teeth.
TYPES OF FALSE TEETH
There are numerous types of false teeth available, including partial dentures and full dentures. All require fitting so that they match the teeth’s shape, size, and colour. The fitting can be done by a specialist, called a prosthodontist, or by a general dentist, many of whom also fit dentures.
• Partial dentures
Partial dentures are used if people still have some healthy teeth available. These dentures are often clipped around the remaining healthy teeth. These clips may be visible when those people talk, but can be made in tooth-coloured material.
• Full dentures
Full dentures are used if a person has lost all their teeth, which may occur due to injury, infection, periodontitis, or other medical condition. These artificial teeth are attached to a plate that sits against the gums. The plate and gum fittings — which can be made from either metal or acrylic that matches the colour of the gum — typically aren’t visible to others.
False teeth adhesive can be used to help keep the dentures in place.
• Removable dentures
Removable dentures are the traditional model, and they come with a big added benefit of being easier to clean. They can, however, slip out of place more easily, so dentists recommend avoiding foods that are particularly chewy, sticky, or hard.
False teeth adhesive can help keep them in place, but these adhesives can be difficult to use. Removable dentures typically last about five years before they need to be replaced.
Partial and complete traditional dentures tend to fall in the same price range, starting at about $60,000. The more money that is spent, the more comfortable and better-looking the dentures will be. The price ranges up to $150,000 for well-fitted dentures.
Price variations depend on the materials used, the number of teeth, and whether persons are getting a single plate or two (upper and lower).
• Flexible dentures
Flexible dentures are a popular alternative to traditional dentures, and they’re made with flexible but extremely durable materials that can be more comfortable to wear. Thanks to the translucent resin that matches the gum colour, they don’t require any visible clips, like those seen with partial dentures. Flexible dentures are also more lightweight and less bulky in the mouth. They can last around five to eight years.
They are more expensive than other methods, and can only be used for partial dentures. Flexible dentures typically cost between $140,000 and $300,000 for a partial set.
MAINTAINING THE FALSE TEETH
Our mouths are full of bacteria, so it’s not surprising that artificial teeth need to be cleaned daily.
The dentist will advise about the best way to clean the dentures, depending on what type of false teeth are used. Removing partial dentures, for example, can make it easier to clean the teeth when you’re brushing at night.
• Use cleaning solutions specific to dentures to help clean them effectively. False teeth require different solutions, depending on the materials they’re made from.
• To increase the lifespan of the false teeth, be careful when handling them. Don’t bend them, and try to avoid damaging any of the clips while cleaning them.
• Soaking the dentures overnight can prevent them from drying out, but make sure to rinse them under water before putting them back in place.
• The dentist may also advise to avoid certain foods. Avoid drinking beverages that are hot enough to warp the dentures. It may also be a good idea to avoid foods that are tough, like hard candy, or chewy like gum.
SIDE EFFECTS OF FALSE TEETH
• When someone first gets false teeth, especially immediate (temporary) dentures, they may notice an increase in saliva. This is normal, and subsides as the mouth gets used to the new addition. Some people also experience temporary nausea.
• They may have difficulty eating at first, while getting used to the new dentures. Start with soft and liquid foods, to get accustomed to them. Similarly, people may struggle to speak as they used to before getting dentures. This gets easier as one gets used to the dentures. Practice saying words that are difficult to pronounce in order to speed up the process.
• Dentures can sometimes cause irritation or sores in the mouth while getting used to them. This is common, and often subsides as people adjust. Gargle with salt water, and maintain excellent oral hygiene to help treat these symptoms.
• It’s common to experience high air pressure against removable dentures when coughing or sneezing. This can dislodge them. To prevent this, cover the mouth with the hand when sneezing, yawning, or coughing.
There are certain signs that indicate that the false teeth need to be adjusted, refitted, or repaired. These include:
• Chips or cracks in the false teeth
• difficulty chewing after the adjustment period (which can take about a week)
• Changing fit over time, where it’s not as snug as it used to be (removable dentures may slip or fall out more often, which is normal after several years, but require refitting)
• Pressure sores from where the false teeth fit into place, especially after the adjustment period.
• Consistent speech pattern changes don’t go away after the adjustment period.
• Odor coming from the false teeth.
ALTERNATIVES TO DENTURES
In addition to dentures, there are other alternatives that some individuals may find more appealing.
• False teeth implants are permanent, thanks to a metal screw placed into the jawbone for stability before a false tooth is placed on top of it. People can have just one implant, or a full set. Implants are significantly more expensive than dentures, though some people are happy to pay for the permanence.
• Veneers can help improve the appearance of existing healthy teeth by placing a thin layer of porcelain over the front of the teeth. They can’t replace missing teeth, however.
• Bridges are another common alternative to dentures. Bridges are made up of fake teeth that are held in place by a dental crown that’s cemented to neighbouring teeth or an implant. They are more permanent than removable dentures, and may not require the implant process if healthy neighbouring teeth are available.
