Dentures are removable prosthetic “teeth” that can replace or cover missing teeth, provide a natural-looking smile, and improve mouth functions like chewing, swallowing, and talking.
Do I need dentures?
Dentures offer a long-lasting solution to people who have lost several teeth to gum disease, tooth decay, or mouth trauma. Even if your missing teeth are hidden or don’t affect your smile, you may experience health consequences of missing teeth, such as:
- Sagging facial muscles
- Jaw decay
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or talking
- Difficulty keeping your mouth clean, which can lead to infection
Types of Dentures
Conventional
Conventional dentures fit in place of all of your teeth. If you have only a few remaining teeth, your dentist may remove them and let the gums heal. Afterward, a denture will be fitted to your gums, giving you a new set of “teeth.”
Immediate
Immediate dentures are like conventional dentures but can be inserted on the same day teeth are removed. These dentures may need to be realigned after the jaw has healed, but unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures allow you to begin using your new teeth the same day your old ones are removed.
Overdenture
Consider an overdenture if you only have a few missing or decayed teeth. In this process, some teeth can be saved to preserve the jawbone and gum stability. Overdentures fit over a few remaining teeth, which act like implants to stabilize the denture and mouth. Overdentures are a great option for people who want the full look and feel of a full set of teeth but already have the added stability of natural teeth to maintain muscle tone in their jaw.
Denture Care
Just like natural teeth, dentures require proper maintenance care; brush your gums, tongue, and mouth’s roof every day, and brush dentures with a toothbrush and cleanser. When you’re not wearing your dentures, ensure they’re covered in water and stored safely. Complications can arise from not properly caring for your dentures. These can include:
- Gum and mouth irritation: sometimes, dentures can cause dry mouth
- Problems eating and speaking, especially in the early days of adjusting to your new dentures
- Scraping or moving around: dentures that don’t fit properly can scrape the sides of your mouth or move around, causing discomfort. Sometimes, an adhesive can help keep dentures in place
- Bacterial infections: if dentures aren’t properly cared for, bacteria can build up in the mouth and cause infections
Following your dentist’s instructions and diligently caring for your dentures can last years. Your dentist may prescribe an adhesive to help keep your dentures in place or provide you with a special cleanser or soaking solution to keep your dentures clean. Make sure you visit your dentist frequently so they can check the fit and function of your dentures.
Think dentures might be right for you? Reach out to your dentist at Smile On Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Center today.