Dentures: All You Need To Be Aware Of

Whether you are thinking about getting dentures, already have them, or know somebody using dentures, – its very likely that you might have a few inquiries concerning them. The information that follows will explain what dentures actually are, how to take care of them, and how they can enhance your oral health. We hope to assist you find the answers to all your denture concerns and to find out, if necessary, whether dentures would be suited for you.

Dentures – What are they?

In order to replace missing or removed natural teeth, your dentist will craft dentures, which are artificial teeth and gums that are shaped to fit your mouth. Dentures can either be full or partial, meaning they can either replace all teeth on either the top or bottom gum line, or only a few that are missing. Whatever type of dentures you require, they will be made specifically for your mouth and will be aesthetically similar to your natural teeth.

Dentures – What are they made of?

Modern dentures are typically made of a hard resin as opposed to the porcelain or plastic used in the past for the artificial teeth that make up dentures. Denture teeth are made of materials that are known to be more brittle than natural teeth and are more likely to chip or crack if dropped or treated roughly in any other way. Every five years or so, a new set of dentures must be worn because this material deteriorates considerably faster than real teeth do.

A comparable resin to that used for the teeth, or a more flexible polymer material that fits tightly on the natural gum line, is frequently used to create the supporting framework of dentures, which holds the fake teeth in place and mimics the natural gum line.

Dentures – Why do you need to wear them?

Dentures not only make a smile with several missing teeth look better, but they help maintain the integrity of the mouth’s structure by supporting the tissues around the cheeks and lips. Additionally, chewing-intensive foods can be consumed with dentures, allowing you to maintain your diet and get the nutrition you need. Lastly, dentures are a viable solution to replace teeth that are causing serious pain and oral health issues, such as those with rotted roots or severe damage. When dentures are fitted, problematic teeth are removed and replaced with a durable and attractive substitute.

Partial Dentures

When one or more teeth are missing or when the neighbouring natural teeth are too weak to support dental bridges, partial dentures are frequently utilised in place of other tooth replacement options.

The partial dentures are adapted to the portion of the gum line they will rest on and secured to neighboring healthy teeth to prevent dislocation. However, they are not firmly secured and can be removed as necessary for cleaning or sleeping.

Full Dentures

Full dentures, also called complete dentures, are prosthetics that completely replace your natural teeth. They are held in place by suction and/or an oral glue and can be customized to fit your top or bottom gum line. They can be removed with ease, just like partial dentures.

Immediate Dentures and Overdentures

There are numerous alternative varieties of full and partial dentures that differ from standard permanent dentures including a type called instant dentures. These dentures are worn immediately following tooth extraction and during the healing phase, which can last up to six months. They are made before the teeth that are being replaced with dentures are removed. Compared to permanent dentures, these dentures can be adjusted more easily to account for changes in the mouth as the gums and jaw enlarge during the healing process. When your mouth is healed and prepared for permanent dentures, the temporary dentures will be discarded.

If standard dentures are too unpleasant to wear or if you still have a few natural teeth, overdentures are an option. If there are no natural teeth to fit over, overdentures are fitted over the roots of those teeth and either rest on them or on dental implants. This kind of denture is more pleasant for some people and is also simple to remove.

Implant-supported Dentures

These are dentures that are secured by dental implants, as the name would suggest. A dental implant is a permanent fixture that is anchored to the jawbone and can be used to replace any number of teeth. They are made up of the implant itself, a metal post (typically titanium), and an individualised crown that mimics a real tooth.

Implant-supported dentures have a couple of different ways in which they can attach, but should be cared for and treated like traditional dentures. It’s more common to have them done on the lower jaw since the upper has fewer problems with fitting securely, but plenty of people have implants on both.

Dentures – How to clean them

All dentures, regardless of the type, need to be cleaned every day, just like natural teeth. Dentures may be built of artificial teeth, but even so, bacteria, plaque, and tartar can still accumulate on them and damage neighbouring teeth and gums.

Take your dentures out of your mouth and wash them thoroughly to remove any food particles that can be lodged between your teeth, along the gum line or even beneath the appliance. Then, using a soft toothbrush or denture brush and a light soap or denture cleanser, brush the dentures all over. To avoid damaging and wearing away the denture materials, avoid using other cleaners, ordinary toothpaste, and electric toothbrushes. Make sure to thoroughly rinse them after cleaning.

Be sure to brush your gums and any natural teeth with a very soft, wet toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, if necessary, while your dentures are out of your mouth. If your toothbrush is too abrasive, gently massage your gums by wrapping your finger in a wet, soft washcloth and rubbing all areas.

How to preserve your dentures

Always take off your dentures before going to bed to prevent damage, dislodging, and to allow your gums a chance to unwind. To prevent them from drying out and deforming, fully submerge your dentures in warm water. If your dentures have metal parts, you should avoid using denture soaking solution as it will tarnish the metal.

Need more clarifications?

Talk to your dentist at your next scheduled dental exam to determine the best course of action if you’re still unsure about whether or not dentures are the appropriate choice for you or if you have any other questions or concerns. Check out Primecare Family Dental if you’re seeking for a dentist who specializes in dentures and can best meet your unique needs.

Additionally, keep in mind that anyone could require dentures. The idea that mouth prosthetics are only for senior persons is no longer true; they may be needed by hockey players, accident victims, or those with genetic problems. No matter how old you are, don’t be afraid to ask if you or someone you know could need them.