Dentures (Removable Teeth Placement For Confident Smiles)

· Those in Bogota, Colombia for at least 2 to 4 weeks.
· Those who do not have natural teeth remaining.
· Those who only have some of their natural teeth remaining.
· Those who want to improve life quality and function with a complete set of teeth.
· Those who want to restore their smile and increase confidence.

Missing teeth are not only unhealthy for your mouth. They can affect your overall health, daily life functions, and self-esteem. One of the ways to restore a beautiful smile is by wearing dentures - removable artificial teeth that come in 2 forms, partial and complete. A denture is a removable prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. The material is usually made of acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal; partial denture is fitted to replace some missing teeth, while a complete denture is indicated when all the natural teeth are lost. A good reason to get dentures is to prevent infections and gum disease as exposed gums can make it easy for food and bacteria to get stuck in them. Besides that, dentures can also help to hold the structure of the jaw. The remaining teeth may try to fill in the gap, and tooth shift can cause unstable mouth structure over time. Hence, restoring missing teeth with artificial ones is important to maintain good oral health.

At our affiliated clinic, dentures done by a good prosthodontist will help the patient to eat, speak, and function as normal; in addition, it often makes them look younger.

To create a denture, 5 to 10 days is required for at least 3 visits to proceed with fabrications. After receiving the denture, a check-up or recall appointment is usually required to check for any sore or discomfort. Some minor adjustments may be done to ensure that you are comfortable with the new denture. It can take up to 4 weeks to get used to the new dentures.

· Acrylic Teeth
Comes in a variety of shape, color, translucency, and dimension. This type of denture is lightweight and transfers less pressure to the gums and bone; as a result, it does not accelerate bone loss. Acrylic teeth also transfer less pressure from habits such as grinding, clenching, or tapping teeth, the material is less likely to fracture and be chipped easily. Moreover, patients have reported a positive experience as the material does not "click" or make uncomfortable noise when biting. The process takes 5 to 8 days.

· Full Denture
Known as Complete denture, is setup on a wax base in which you can try them on to see how it will look before the finish; the process takes 5 to 8 days.

· Porcelain Teeth
Gives natural teeth appearance; heavier in weight and does more impact on the bone than acrylic teeth. The process takes 5 to 8 days.

· Flexible Frame Partial Denture
Made of special material that could give you extra comfort and fit; undetectable as false teeth, easy to take care, and comfortable to wear. The flexible partial blends in well with the natural gum as it has an almost chameleon effect; the material is smooth and comfortable against the tongue. It is very long-lasting compared to all types of dentures. The process takes 8 to 10 days.

· Metal Frame Partial Denture
Strong, less bulging, and offers a great fit. This contains a metal framework attached to high-quality false teeth which is thin and comfortable. The fabricating takes 5 to 8 days.

· Temporary Partial or Flipper
This is a temporary partial denture that can be available within 24 hrs.

1. Consultation and examination will be done.
2. Impressions of your gums and teeth will be taken.
3. Bite registration will be done to measure how you bite.
4. When the dentures are almost done, a try-in will be done to assess if it’s suitable.
5. Finalized dentures will be fitted in and the aftercare instructions will be given by the dentist.

<Advantages>
· Long-lasting
· Looks natural
· Restores smile and increases confidence
· Helps with eating and speaking more comfortably
· Easily removed, which allows you to thoroughly clean them.

<Limitations>
· Dentures can wear down and stain with age. Adjustments may be needed from time to time.
· You may have to start eating soft foods and food cut into small pieces
· If you have gagging reflex and vomits with dentures, you may have to opt for implants
· New dentures may alter your speech initially for the first 2 weeks

If you can’t decide between getting dentures or dental implants, here are some differences to weigh in:

· Dentures last from 5 to 7 years and may wear down with age. Adjustments may be needed from time to time to monitor the fitting and your oral health. Dental implants are a permanent solution and easier to maintain.

· Dentures give you the freedom to remove them throughout the day, which makes it a better option for those with unhealthy or weak jaws. Dental implants cannot be removed.

· Dentures may slip while speaking or laughing, but dental implants will not slip.

It’s better to first consult with a prosthodontist to help you to decide the best treatment option depending on your condition.

· Visit the dentist regularly as scheduled in your appointment to monitor your condition
· Dentures should be rinsed thoroughly to remove food particles or cleaned after every meal with a soft brush
· Use non-abrasive denture toothpaste to ensure it will be long-lasting
· Always remove the denture before going to bed
· Store it at night in water or a mild denture cleaner
· Soak the denture in denture cleanser once a week to remove stains
· Denture cleaner should be rinsed off thoroughly before placing the dentures back in your mouth

Q1: When can I start eating normally after getting dentures?
A1: You may need a week or more to adapt to dentures. It will be uncomfortable at first, so to start out, eat foods that are easy to chew. The dentist will give you guidelines on the proper food to eat in caring for your dentures.

Q2: How long can it last?
A2: With good dental hygiene practice, it can last up to 5 to 7 years. But if any sign of irritation occurs, please see the dentist immediately.

Q3: Will the procedure be painful?
A3: It may feel uncomfortable when taking the impressions or fitting dentures in. When you are first fitted for the new dentures, you may experience minor irritation, but soon the mouth will adapt. Give it some time to be comfortable.

Q4: Can I get dentures after not having teeth for a long time?
A4: This depends on the condition of your jaw. If you’ve not had teeth for 20 years, it becomes harder to predict. Over time, the bone that holds the teeth can shrink when teeth are removed. The dentist or prosthodontist should examine your overall oral health to determine your suitability.

Q5: Can I sleep with dentures on?
A5: It is more preferable to have it removed and stored in water. This will enable your gums and bones to relax from the pressure of wearing dentures. Do not wear it for 24 hrs without proper oral hygiene practice.

[Clinic Name] Clinica Dentica
[Location] Bogota, Colombia
[Nearest Station/ Nearest Tourist Destination] 2 mins walk to bus stop (Auto Norte - CL 82); Walking distance to restaurants and supermarkets
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday to Friday (8:00AM - 5:00PM); Saturday (8:00AM - 12:00PM)