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Common Issues with Dental Prosthetics and How to Fix Them
24Sep

Dental prosthetics, including dentures, bridges, crowns, and implants, are excellent solutions for replacing missing teeth and restoring both functionality and aesthetics. However, like any dental appliance, they can present certain challenges over time. From discomfort to breakage, knowing the common issues that arise with dental prosthetics—and how to address them—can help you maintain oral health and comfort.

In this blog, Bayswater Dentist will help you explore some of the most common issues associated with dental prosthetics and guide how to fix or prevent them.

1. Sore Spots and Irritation

The Issue:

One of the most common problems with dentures or other dental prosthetics is sore spots. This can occur due to the prosthetic rubbing against the gums or not fitting properly. Over time, this irritation can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and even infections.

How to Fix It:

  • Consult our Dentist for Adjustments: A poorly fitting denture is often the root cause of sore spots. Our dentist can adjust the fit, ensuring that the prosthetic sits more comfortably in your mouth.
  • Use Denture Adhesives: For dentures, a dental adhesive can help create a cushion between the gums and the prosthetic, reducing irritation.
  • Rinse with Saltwater: If you notice mild irritation, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can reduce inflammation and promote healing.

2. Loose or Shifting Prosthetics

The Issue:

Over time, dental prosthetics may become loose or begin shifting. This is particularly common with dentures as the jawbone and gums change shape due to bone resorption (the gradual shrinking of the bone after tooth loss). Loose prosthetics can make chewing difficult and increase the risk of sores.

How to Fix It:

  • Rebase or Reline the Denture: Our dentist can reline or rebase the denture to ensure a snug fit. This process involves reshaping the underside of the denture to match your current gum and jaw structure.
  • Consider Dental Implants: If traditional dentures are causing consistent issues, implant-supported dentures may offer a more secure and long-term solution.

3. Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Prosthetics

The Issue:

Dental prosthetics like dentures or crowns are prone to damage over time, especially if they’re dropped or exposed to excessive force (such as grinding your teeth). Chips, cracks, or complete breakage can occur, compromising both the function and appearance of the prosthetic.

How to Fix It:

  • Immediate Dental Repair: Avoid trying to fix a broken prosthetic on your own. Contact our dentist for professional repair. Dentures can often be repaired or rebased, while crowns or bridges may require replacement depending on the extent of the damage.
  • Prevention: Handle your prosthetics carefully to avoid drops, and wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night to protect crowns and bridges from undue pressure.
dental Prosthetics

4. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking

The Issue:

Patients new to dental prosthetics may initially struggle with chewing or speaking, especially if they’ve had multiple teeth replaced. Dentures or partial dentures can sometimes feel bulky, and it may take time to adjust to the new sensation in your mouth.

How to Fix It:

  • Practice Makes Perfect: Give yourself time to adapt to the prosthetic. Practice speaking slowly and chewing on both sides of your mouth to balance the pressure.
  • Adjust the Prosthetic: If the difficulty persists, our dentist can make small adjustments to improve the comfort and functionality of the prosthetic.
  • Try Softer Foods Initially: Start with soft foods while adjusting to your new prosthetics, gradually working your way up to harder foods as you become more comfortable.

5. Staining and Discoloration

The Issue:

Dental prosthetics, especially those made from acrylic or porcelain, can become stained over time due to foods, drinks, or smoking. This can affect both their appearance and your confidence.

How to Fix It:

  • Regular Cleaning: Clean your dentures or prosthetics daily using a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid using regular toothpaste, which can scratch the surface.
  • Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: Limit consumption of dark beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine, and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
  • Professional Cleaning: Schedule regular dental check-ups for professional cleaning of your prosthetics to maintain their appearance.

6. Unpleasant Odor

The Issue:

Dentures and other prosthetics can sometimes develop an unpleasant odor if they aren’t properly cleaned. This odor typically results from bacteria buildup on the prosthetic or in the mouth.

How to Fix It:

  • Proper Hygiene Routine: Clean your dentures or bridges daily to prevent bacteria buildup. Soaking dentures in a denture cleanser overnight can also help.
  • Brush Gums and Tongue: If you wear removable dentures, don’t neglect your gums and tongue. Use a soft brush to clean these areas to promote better oral health.
  • Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Routine dental check-ups will help ensure your prosthetics remain in good condition and don’t contribute to bad breath.

7. Bone Loss Around Dental Implants

The Issue:

Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, but in some cases, bone loss can occur around the implant, threatening its stability. This is often caused by gum disease or improper oral hygiene.

How to Fix It:

  • Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, paying special attention to the implant site to remove plaque and bacteria.
  • Routine Dental Check-ups: Regular professional cleanings and exams are essential to catch any early signs of bone loss or gum disease.
  • Gum Graft or Bone Graft: In severe cases, a gum or bone graft may be necessary to rebuild the structure around the implant.

Conclusion

Dental prosthetics are an effective way to restore your smile and oral function, but they require proper care and occasional maintenance to function at their best. Whether it’s a denture, crown, bridge, or implant, addressing common issues like discomfort, breakage, or staining promptly can prevent bigger problems down the line.

At The Smile Clinic, we specialize in creating, adjusting, and maintaining dental prosthetics to ensure your smile remains healthy and beautiful. If you’re experiencing any issues with your prosthetics, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert care and advice.

Comparing Different Types of Dental Prosthetics
24Sep

Dental prosthetics have revolutionised the way we approach oral health, providing effective solutions for missing teeth, damaged teeth, and overall oral function. Whether you’re dealing with a single lost tooth or require a full-mouth restoration, the right prosthetic can make a significant difference in your quality of life. At The Smile Clinic, Ferntree Gully’s dentist offers a variety of dental prosthetics to cater to your specific needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of dental prosthetics and help you determine which is best suited for you.

What Are Dental Prosthetics?

Dental prosthetics are artificial devices used to replace missing or damaged teeth. They not only restore the function of your teeth but also enhance the aesthetics of your smile. The most common types of dental prosthetics include dentures, crowns, bridges, implants, and veneers. Each type of prosthetic serves a specific purpose, and understanding the differences between them can help you make an informed decision.

1. Dentures

Full Dentures: Full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth in a jaw have been lost. They are custom-made to fit the gums and are held in place either by suction or with the help of dental adhesive. Full dentures are removable and are typically made from acrylic.

Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-coloured plastic base, which is connected by a metal framework that holds the denture in place. Partial dentures are also removable and can be an economical option for filling in gaps caused by missing teeth.

Advantages: Dentures are a cost-effective solution for replacing multiple missing teeth. They also provide support to facial muscles, improving the appearance of your face and smile.

Considerations: Dentures require regular maintenance and may need adjustments over time. Some patients may find them less comfortable or stable compared to other prosthetic options.

2. Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials.

Advantages: Crowns provide a durable solution for protecting weak teeth, restoring broken or worn-down teeth, and improving the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth. They are custom-made to match the colour of your natural teeth, offering a seamless appearance.

Considerations: Crowns require the removal of a portion of the natural tooth structure to accommodate the cap. The process is irreversible, and if the crown becomes damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Types of Dental Prosthetics

3. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth or implants. The bridge spans the gap created by the missing teeth.

Advantages: Bridges restore the ability to chew and speak properly and prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position. They are a fixed prosthetic, meaning they do not need to be removed for cleaning like dentures.

Considerations: Like crowns, the teeth adjacent to the gap need to be prepared by removing some of their enamel. Bridges can also place additional stress on the supporting teeth, which may require reinforcement.

4. Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular and highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as a root for the replacement tooth. Once the implant integrates with the bone, a crown is placed on top.

Advantages: Implants provide a permanent, stable solution that looks and feels like natural teeth. They do not require the alteration of adjacent teeth and help preserve jawbone density by providing stimulation similar to that of a natural tooth root.

Considerations: The implant process involves surgery and a longer healing period, which may not be suitable for all patients. Implants are also generally more expensive than other prosthetic options.

5. Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. They are primarily used for cosmetic purposes, such as covering stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth.

Advantages: Veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile by correcting a wide range of aesthetic issues. They are custom-made to match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth.

Considerations: Veneers require the removal of a small amount of enamel from the teeth to allow for proper fitting. While they are durable, veneers may need to be replaced after several years due to wear.

Choosing the Right Prosthetic for You

Selecting the appropriate dental prosthetic depends on various factors, including the number of teeth you need to replace, your oral health, budget, and personal preferences. A consultation with our experienced team at The Smile Clinic in Boronia will help you explore your options and determine the best course of action for your unique needs.

Conclusion

Dental prosthetics offer versatile solutions for restoring the function and appearance of your teeth. Whether you need full dentures, a crown, a bridge, an implant, or veneers, each option has its own set of benefits and considerations. At The Smile Clinic, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with the right dental prosthetic for your situation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards restoring your smile.

Dental Prosthetics
24Sep

Dental prosthetics have revolutionised restorative dentistry, providing solutions for individuals who struggle with chewing and biting due to missing or damaged teeth. At The Smile Clinic, we understand how vital these functions are for your overall health and well-being. Whether it’s a full set of dentures, dental implants, or other prosthetic devices, these solutions can significantly enhance your quality of life. In this blog, our dentist Wantirna will help you explore the top five benefits of dental prosthetics for improving your ability to chew and bite.

Enhanced Chewing Efficiency

One of the most immediate benefits of dental prosthetics is improving chewing efficiency. Missing or damaged teeth can make it difficult to break down food properly, which is essential for digestion. Dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, restore the functionality of your teeth, allowing you to chew food thoroughly and comfortably.

When chewing is efficient, it reduces the strain on your digestive system, leading to better nutrient absorption and overall digestive health. This is particularly important for individuals who have been living with missing teeth for a while, as their digestive systems may have been compensating for inadequate chewing.

Improved Bite Alignment

Dental prosthetics also play a crucial role in correcting and maintaining proper bite alignment. When teeth are missing, the surrounding teeth can shift into empty spaces, leading to misalignment. This can cause a variety of issues, including jaw pain, headaches, and uneven wear on the remaining teeth.

By filling in the gaps left by missing teeth, prosthetics like bridges or implants help maintain the alignment of your bite. A well-aligned bite is not only essential for efficient chewing but also for preventing further dental issues down the line. It ensures that the forces exerted during chewing are evenly distributed, reducing the risk of tooth damage or jaw strain.

Dental Prosthetics for Chewing and Biting

Prevention of Bone Loss

One of the lesser-known but significant benefits of dental prosthetics is their role in preventing bone loss in the jaw. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. Over time, this can lead to a sunken facial appearance and further oral health complications.

Dental implants, in particular, are highly effective at preventing bone loss. The implant acts as a replacement tooth root, stimulating the jawbone and preserving its density. This not only maintains the structural integrity of your jaw but also supports the surrounding teeth, preventing them from shifting and causing misalignment.

Restored Confidence and Self-Esteem

Beyond the physical benefits, dental prosthetics can have a profound impact on your emotional well-being. Missing or damaged teeth can lead to self-consciousness about your appearance, especially when smiling or speaking. This can affect your social interactions and overall confidence.

Dental prosthetics restore the appearance of your smile, giving you the confidence to engage more freely in social situations. Whether it’s a single crown, a bridge, or a full set of dentures, these prosthetics are designed to look natural and blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. The boost in self-esteem that comes with a complete, healthy smile is invaluable, influencing both your personal and professional life.

Long-Term Oral Health

Finally, dental prosthetics contribute to long-term oral health by protecting the remaining natural teeth and preventing further dental issues. For example, when a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth are more susceptible to decay and damage due to increased exposure and misalignment. Prosthetics fill these gaps, providing the necessary support to the adjacent teeth and reducing the risk of cavities or fractures.

Moreover, by restoring your ability to chew properly, dental prosthetics help prevent issues such as excessive wear on certain teeth, which can lead to additional dental work in the future. Regular use of dental prosthetics encourages better oral hygiene practices as well, as patients are more likely to maintain good habits when they feel confident in their dental health.

Conclusion

At The Smile Clinic, we are dedicated to providing top-quality dental prosthetics that restore the function and aesthetics of your smile. The benefits of these prosthetics extend far beyond mere convenience—they enhance your overall health, boost your confidence, and contribute to a better quality of life. If you’re experiencing difficulty with chewing or biting due to missing or damaged teeth, dental prosthetics may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile.

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