Suction Effective Mandibular - Complete Denture (SEMCD)
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SEMCD stands for Suction Effective Mandibular Complete Denture, which refers to a lower denture designed to achieve suction.
In essence, it is considered the pinnacle of complete dentures.
Traditionally, it has been considered difficult to achieve suction with lower dentures, while upper dentures tend to have better adherence. However, in recent times, it has become possible for many patients to achieve suction-like adherence with lower dentures as well. With improved adherence, dentures are less likely to come loose, allowing for an increased variety of food that can be eaten and improving chewing ability, resulting in a more enjoyable dining experience. Additionally, this improved adherence brings peace of mind and enables more comfortable and enjoyable conversations.
Key Characteristics of Suction Effective Mandibular Complete Dentures:
Enhanced Retention
Suction dentures strive to provide superior retention in the lower jaw compared to traditional complete dentures. This improved retention helps prevent issues such as slippage or dislodgment that some individuals may experience with conventional dentures.
Tailored Design
Developing an effective suction denture involves a customized approach based on the individual’s oral anatomy. Dentists employ specialized techniques and materials to capture the unique contours of the lower jaw and mucosal tissues.
Mucosal Seal
The suction effect relies on creating a tight seal between the denture base and the mucosal lining of the mouth. This seal takes advantage of the natural adhesive and suction properties of saliva.
Reduced Dependence on Adhesives
Suction dentures can lessen or eliminate the need for denture adhesives or pastes, which can be messy and may not provide long-lasting retention.
Enhanced Comfort
Properly designed and fitted suction dentures offer increased comfort by securely staying in place, minimizing irritation or sore spots caused by movement.
Improved Chewing Efficiency
The stability of suction dentures can enhance a person’s ability to chew food effectively, leading to better digestion and nutrition.
Speech Improvement
With improved denture stability, speech difficulties that often accompany ill-fitting dentures are minimized.
It is essential to understand that achieving an effective suction seal with mandibular complete dentures can be challenging and may not be achievable for all patients. Success depends on factors such as individual oral anatomy, the expertise of the dentist or prosthodontist, and the denture design and fit. Therefore, not all complete lower dentures will exhibit a suction effect.
How to Take Care of Suction Dentures
How to remove your suction denture?
To give your gums a break from the constant pressure of your dentures, it’s important to remove them every night. There are a few techniques you can use to loosen the seal of your suction dentures. One method is to imagine yourself as a puffer fish and tightly close your lips. Then, try to force as much air as possible into your mouth to create air pockets between the denture and your gums. Another technique is to pull your tongue back towards your throat, which will lift the floor of your mouth and create a gap. Alternatively, you can slowly and gently rock the borders of your denture to introduce air gaps underneath. With practice, removing your dentures will become second nature.
Remove suction denture at a safe place
To prevent the possibility of dropping or soiling your dentures, it is advisable to take them off in the washroom. Many individuals choose to fill the sink with warm water and remove their dentures over it. Another option is to place a towel beneath the area where you will be removing your dentures, providing a soft landing surface in case of accidental drops.
Do not remove your denture with hard object
To safely remove your dentures, rely on the natural movements and abilities of your mouth, cheeks, tongue, and fingers. Avoid using any objects, as they can lead to injuries and potential damage to your dentures.
Keep your denture moist
To prevent damage to your suction dentures, it is important to avoid letting them dry out frequently. When the material of the denture dries out repeatedly, it can weaken the integrity of the denture, making it more prone to fracturing or cracking. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them moist at all times. When you are not wearing them, it is advisable to soak them or store them in a denture cleanser solution, especially overnight. However, it is crucial not to submerge the dentures in extremely hot water, as this can cause the denture to soften and potentially change its shape or warp.
Clean your denture everyday
The functioning of dentures is similar to that of natural teeth. Similar to teeth, dentures can accumulate plaque and tartar, resulting in stains, unpleasant breath, and gum infections. Additionally, the plaque that accumulates on dentures can spread to natural teeth and gums, leading to gum disease and cavities. This emphasizes the significance of regularly cleaning your dentures. Compared to the potential consequences for your overall oral health, the risk to your suction dentures is relatively low.
Do not use toothpaste to brush
To effectively clean your dentures, it is recommended to use a denture brush or a soft-bristle toothbrush along with a mild soap or denture toothpaste. Regular toothpaste or household cleaners should be avoided as they can be too harsh and potentially harmful to your dentures and gums. It is important to thoroughly brush all surfaces of the dentures, including the underside where bacteria tends to accumulate. After cleaning, make sure to rinse your dentures under running water before placing them back in your mouth.
Inspect denture regularly
Make sure to examine your dentures for any cracks or damage on a regular basis, ideally once a month. If you do happen to notice any issues, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your denturist for repairs. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a yearly check-up with your denturist to address any changes in your mouth. Keep in mind that our mouths are constantly changing, and this can affect the fit of your suction dentures. To ensure a comfortable and secure fit, it may be necessary to have your dentures readjusted and relined from time to time. Ill-fitting dentures can lead to discomfort and even sores, which can be both painful and embarrassing. If you’re experiencing any discomfort or if your dentures are showing signs of significant wear, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your denturist as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the situation and provide the necessary adjustments or replacements to restore your oral health and confidence.
Here are some frequently asked questions about suction dentures:
Suction dentures have a similar appearance to other types of dentures and create a vacuum between the denture and the gum. They serve as a viable option for individuals who are unable or unwilling to get implant-retained dentures, while still ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
The suction on a denture is achieved by creating an airtight seal between the fitting surface of the denture and the tissues in the mouth. This seal is maintained by the forces of cohesion. Cohesion can be best understood by considering two flat glass surfaces placed together with a liquid in between them. It becomes difficult to separate the glass surfaces by pulling them apart at a ninety-degree angle. In fact, the easiest way to separate them would be to slide one piece of glass over the other until they are no longer in close contact. Similarly, in the mouth, the force of cohesion is dependent on the saliva present, which acts as the liquid.
- Suction on the lower denture can be achieved by eight out of ten patients.
- However, in certain cases, suction is not possible. This is primarily due to xerostomia, which is a condition characterized by a lack of saliva. Xerostomia can be caused by medications or radiation therapy used to treat other medical conditions. Additionally, the morphology or shape and form of the mouth tissues may also contribute to the inability to achieve suction.
The Suction mechanism for Lower Denture is achieved by the surrounding soft tissues, which create an airtight seal along the borders of the denture. This innovative approach eliminates the need for relying on the amount of remaining gums, unlike conventional dentures. The airtight seal also prevents food particles from getting trapped under the denture, thus minimizing gum irritation. These high-performance dental appliances not only enhance the confidence of our clients by giving them a beautiful smile but also enable them to enjoy a wide variety of foods that they may have been avoiding for a significant period of time. With these advanced dentures, individuals no longer have to worry about their dentures slipping while talking, feel more comfortable in social situations, and no longer need to make compromises with their dentures.
No surgery is involved in this process. Instead, a clinician guides the patient through the impression process by instructing them on how to make specific mouth movements and produce certain sounds. This helps to ensure that the final custom fit is accurate.
Like other kinds of more traditional dentures, Suction dentures do not last forever. Changes in your gums and jaw typically change the way your dentures fit. You will need to get your Suction dentures relined every 1 to 3 years or more depending on your personal case. Eventually, as with all other dentures, your Lower Suction dentures will have to be replaced every 7 to 10 years.