Denture teeth can be lengthened through professional dental procedures to improve both appearance and function. These prosthetics, which are typically made from durable acrylic resin or porcelain, are specifically designed to be modified by a dental professional when necessary. Lengthening often becomes necessary to restore a natural facial appearance compromised by years of wear on the original prosthetic. This precise process requires careful planning to ensure the final result is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
Clinical Reasons for Tooth Lengthening
The decision to lengthen denture teeth is driven by specific clinical needs related to jaw mechanics and smile appearance. The primary functional reason is to restore the correct relationship between the upper and lower jaws, known as the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO). The VDO is the distance between the upper and lower jaw when the teeth are in contact.
When teeth wear down, the VDO collapses, causing the jaw to close too much. This reduction in the vertical space can lead to a “caved-in” or aged facial appearance, as the facial muscles lose their proper support. A collapsed VDO can also cause physical discomfort, manifesting as jaw joint pain or cracking at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis). Lengthening the denture teeth reestablishes the optimal VDO, supporting the lower third of the face and alleviating these symptoms.
Lengthening also addresses aesthetic concerns, particularly inadequate tooth display. As a patient ages or teeth wear, the amount of the upper front teeth visible when smiling decreases. Lengthening the anterior denture teeth restores this display, contributing to a more youthful and natural-looking smile. This adjustment ensures the dentures align with the patient’s desired appearance and facial features.
Technical Procedures for Modifying Denture Teeth
The process of lengthening denture teeth begins with a diagnostic phase to determine the exact extension required. The professional uses impression materials or wax try-ins to create a precise model of the desired new tooth length and alignment. This step ensures the modification will not interfere with the patient’s speech or cause discomfort by encroaching on the tongue space.
For minor or temporary lengthening, a dental professional may perform chairside adjustments using self-curing acrylic or composite resin. This in-office procedure involves bonding the material directly to the existing denture teeth, then shaping and polishing it to the required size. While convenient, these minor adjustments are typically less durable than laboratory-processed modifications.
Major or permanent lengthening requires the denture to be sent to a specialized dental laboratory. In the lab, the existing prosthetic teeth are slightly reduced to create a strong bonding surface. New acrylic material, often heat-cured for superior strength, is meticulously added to the denture base and teeth. The material is compressed and cured, integrating with the existing structure to achieve the permanent length. The finished denture is returned to the dentist for final grinding and polishing to ensure the occlusion, or bite, is balanced.
Adjusting to the Lengthened Denture
Patients must undergo an adaptation period as their mouth adjusts to the lengthened teeth and the newly restored VDO. The change in vertical height and tooth position immediately alters the internal oral environment. This physical change requires the tongue, cheeks, and lips to learn new muscle movements for proper function.
One common initial challenge is changes in speech, particularly lisping or difficulty pronouncing sibilant sounds like ‘s’ and ‘f’. The tongue’s space is slightly reduced or repositioned, affecting its ability to articulate sounds clearly. Patients are encouraged to practice speaking by reading aloud daily to help the muscles adapt and improve speech clarity over two to three weeks.
Chewing and overall comfort will also feel different because the bite has been altered to the new VDO. Patients should begin by eating soft foods, gradually introducing firmer textures as their gums and jaw muscles adjust to the new pressure distribution. Chewing equally on both sides of the mouth is important to keep the dentures stable and prevent tipping or shifting during meals. Follow-up appointments with the dentist are necessary to check tissue health and make minor occlusal adjustments to ensure an even, comfortable bite.