Dentists and patients work together to design customized dentures. While the aim is to make dentures look as natural as possible in the mouth, here are five considerations that make some dentures look more realistic than the rest:

Gums Matter

Throughout denture history, patients have complained about denture bases not blending in with gums. From 18-carat gold plates to Vulcanite (hardened rubber) to polymethylmethacrylate (acrylic resin), dentists constantly innovated to find high-grade materials for denture bases. Acrylic resin bases were invented in 1938 and are still used today because they are non-toxic, hard, and translucent. Acrylic resin bases are also easily repaired.

A common denture complaint is that the base attached to the gums can appear unnaturally pink or are limited in shades. Other complaints about denture bases are:

• Extensive curvature around the teeth
• Lack of details

To make the most natural-looking dentures, dental lab technicians can customize dentures with:

• Naturalistic silhouette of gums
• Layered acrylics to mimic the appearance of soft tissues
• Realistic details (such as imitation blood vessels)

Shape of Teeth

Like most things in life, teeth are not one size fits all. Each tooth’s shape and size depend on its function and varies from person to person. Many cookie-cutter dentures have relatively low options for customizing teeth and commonly come with standard-sized teeth already installed.

Customized dentures allow patients to meet their personal aesthetic goals. Patients have the freedom to select types of teeth. Have you ever dreamed of having the perfect smile? Dentists can perfectly align and shape teeth for a straight, radiant smile.

Tooth Texture and Translucency

Often, dentures can look flat and too translucent. Plastic teeth will look plastic. When light shines on plastic, it can look translucent and not like enamel. Ceramic surfaces that are glazed too smoothly can also look flat and unnatural, especially in natural light.

Enamel is the hardest substance found in the human body but is porous and lightly textured in nature. Dental lab technicians can build prosthetic teeth with a material of your choice: acrylic, resin, or porcelain. Most importantly, skilled dental lab technicians texturize customized dentures, which helps them reflect light throughout the teeth.

Tooth Color

Most people love bright white teeth, but teeth that are too white can be blinding. Patients can choose between several shades to find dentures that match the individual’s face. Dentists can match teeth to skin complexion to find a shade of white that looks perfectly natural.

Proper Fit

If maintained correctly, appropriate fitting dentures should last for years. Dentures that are too loose in the mouth can protrude from the mouth and make jaws look and feel misaligned.

Not only do ill-fitting dentures look and feel off, but they also are accompanied by many health problems, including:

• Potential nutritional deficiencies
• Irritated and inflamed gums
• Headaches
• Bone atrophy
• Oral thrush

If your dentures become loose, visit the dentist as soon as possible. They can help reline and reshape the dentures to make them fit the mouth more comfortably.

Are You Ready for Beautiful Dentures?

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Mathew L. Bridges applies contemporary techniques to create dentures that look great and are affordable. Message us online or call us at 580-255-4880 to schedule a consultation for natural dentures in Duncan, OK today.

The post Fabricating Natural Looking Dentures appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Preventative Maintenance for Dentures

The American Academy of Prosthodontics offers these evidence-based tips for maintaining and caring for your dentures. The removal of bacterial biofilm on dentures is of paramount importance to maintaining good oral and overall health.

• Dentures should be cleaned daily by brushing and soaking
• Use a nonabrasive denture cleanser
• Only use denture cleansers once dentures are removed
• Always follow product instructions closely
• Have your dentist clean the prosthetic during dental exams
• Never place dentures in hot water
• Dentures should be stored in water when not in use
• Dentures made with zinc should be avoided
• Denture adhesives should be removed on a daily basis
• Dentures should not be worn 24 hours a day to avoid denture stomatitis

The AAP also recommends that dentures are checked annually by a qualified dentist. Regular exams can help Dr. Bridges search for signs of oral lesions and bone loss. Dr. Bridges can also check the fit and function of your denture during dental visits.  

Denture Options in Duncan, OK

Our Duncan, OK dental office offers three types of dentures. Dr. Bridges can explain the benefits of each option in detail. 

• Partial dentures: Individuals who are missing multiple teeth in one area of the jaw may be good candidates for a partial denture. Partial dentures can fill in sporadic gaps in your smile. Like traditional dentures, partial dentures are held in place by the jawbone and gums. Dental clasps that hook to adjacent teeth can add additional stability. 
• Traditional dentures: Traditional dentures replace an entire arch of teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Full dentures are supported by the gum tissue. Dental adhesives can add additional stability.
• Implant-supported dentures: Dental implants replace missing tooth roots. Unlike partial or traditional dentures, dental implants anchor your denture directly to the jawbone. The titanium posts have the additional benefit of stimulating jawbone growth, which can prevent jawbone recession and the “caved-in” look associated with some geriatric individuals. Many patients report that implant-supported dentures feel and function like natural teeth. If you are interested in this superior restorative option, Dr. Bridges will be glad to discuss the treatment timeline and cost of dental implants during your next visit.

Contact Our Office Today!

Dentures restore oral function. They also allow a patient to enjoy a better quality of life. Chisholm Trail Smile Center offers many restorative treatment options. If you are interested in learning more about dentures, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges in the 73533 area. Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center online, or call our office at (580) 255-4880.

The post Preventive Maintenance for Dentures appeared first on Chisholm Trail.