Dentures are custom-made prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and gum tissue, typically fabricated from acrylic resin or porcelain. The artificial teeth are set into a gum-colored base that rests on the patient’s oral tissues. Many people wonder if these artificial teeth can be modified after the denture has been delivered. The teeth within a finished denture can often be adjusted, especially if they are found to be too long.
Is Shortening Denture Teeth Possible and Why It Is Done
Shortening the teeth in a finished denture is a feasible adjustment performed by dental professionals. This modification often addresses aesthetic concerns, such as when artificial teeth appear disproportionately large or prominent, sometimes described as a “horsey” appearance. This visual issue can significantly impact a patient’s confidence.
Functional concerns also motivate the need for adjustment. Teeth that are too long can interfere with the natural bite, causing the upper and lower teeth to click loudly during speech or eating. Improper tooth length can also lead to phonetic problems, making it difficult for the wearer to correctly pronounce sounds like “s” or “th” that rely on the tongue interacting with the front teeth.
The Professional Modification Process
The shortening of denture teeth must only be carried out by a trained dental professional, such as a dentist or a laboratory technician, to ensure precision. The technique involves the measured removal of tooth material, typically using specialized rotary instruments like dental burs or grinding tools. This controlled trimming allows the professional to carefully reduce the length of the teeth to achieve the desired aesthetic and functional goals.
The material removal must be incremental, with the professional repeatedly checking the patient’s bite and speech patterns to avoid over-shortening, as this change is permanent. Once the proper length is achieved, the newly ground surface of the artificial tooth is carefully smoothed and polished. This polishing step is important because a rough surface can harbor bacteria, making the denture difficult to clean and potentially causing irritation to soft tissues.
The professional will then evaluate the occlusion, or how the upper and lower teeth meet, to ensure the bite is balanced and comfortable after the adjustment. This process focuses on the teeth and is different from relining the denture base, which only adjusts the fit against the gums.
Structural Risks and Functional Limitations
While shortening denture teeth is possible, it introduces potential risks to the prosthetic’s structural integrity. Reducing the thickness of the acrylic or porcelain material can weaken the artificial tooth. This thinning increases the vulnerability of the tooth to chipping or fracture, especially under the forces exerted during chewing.
Any change to the length of the teeth directly alters the patient’s vertical dimension and bite alignment, known as the occlusion. Even minor adjustments can unintentionally shift the balance of the bite, leading to uneven pressure distribution. This uneven pressure may cause pain in the jaw joint or make the denture feel unstable.
Warranty and Durability Concerns
A consequence of post-fabrication modification is the potential to void the manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturers often stipulate that significant changes to the structure can cancel any guarantees associated with the prosthetic. Patients must understand that while a professional can make these changes, they are irreversible and carry a risk of compromising the long-term durability and original design of the device.