Acrylic Dentures: Becky’s Story

Becky, who suffers from type 2 diabetes, came to us after losing most of her teeth.
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Overview

Becky, who suffers from type 2 diabetes, came to us after losing most of her teeth. We helped her manage her diabetes while providing her with new upper and lower acrylic dentures. The lower dentures were secured by using her own teeth for support and retention. Dentures can be life-changing for patients like Becky as they allowed her to smile, speak and eat, which are things which many of us take for granted.

Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth and can be made from plastic or metal. They help restore a person’s ability to eat, speak, and smile. Becky came to us after losing most of her teeth. She also has type 2 diabetes, which makes it even more important to maintain good oral health. Did you know? There’s a strong connection between keeping your mouth healthy and controlling diabetes. Studies show that people with healthy mouths can manage their diabetes better. On the other hand, dental problems can make diabetes harder to control, increasing the risk of serious issues like heart disease, poor wound healing, and even blindness.

Before
After

Our plan for Becky:

First, we helped Becky manage her diabetes through diet counselling and guidance on how to properly look after her teeth. Then, we professionally cleaned her teeth and used them to secure her lower denture—this type of denture is called an overdenture.

Benefits of an Overdenture:

  1. Stronger jaw: When we lose our teeth, the bone that holds those teeth in place slowly starts to disappear. In the lower jaw, this places people at risk of a jaw fracture even with the slightest trauma to the face. Keeping some of your natural teeth helps retain that jawbone, preventing it from becoming weak or thin.
  2. Better Fit: The teeth anchor the denture, giving it more stability and retention, which makes it easier to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

What Becky Needed to Know:

Getting dentures like these takes around six visits to the dentist. It’s also important to care for the denture and the teeth that support it. Becky learned to clean her denture every day and visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.

Tips for Denture Wearers:

  • Retaining Your Teeth: Keeping some natural teeth to support a lower denture makes a big difference in fit and comfort.
  • Denture Adhesives: Over-the-counter denture adhesives can improve the fit of your dentures.
  • Adjustments: If your dentures become loose over time, they might need adjustments or even replacement as your mouth changes.
  • Keep Spares: Don’t throw away your old dentures—keep them as a backup, just like an extra pair of glasses.