Dentures may be necessary due to tooth loss, multiple cavities, wear and tear on the teeth, periodontal instability, or ageing. Although not as common as they used to be, still, about 40.99 million Americans reported using dentures in 2020.
For people with dental needs, dentures can considerably enhance your lifestyle. If you have dentures or are considering getting them, it is important to know how they work and how to care for them properly.
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What are Dentures?
Dentures are commonly called false teeth and are removable replacements for missing teeth. They are made from a combination of materials, including porcelain, acrylic and plastic. Dentures may be used to replace one or more teeth and, in certain cases, all of a patient’s teeth.
Dentures come in many sizes and shapes to accommodate different mouths and smiles. They’re custom-made by a dentist based on the shape of your mouth and the number of missing teeth.
Dentures can help people who have lost all or most of their natural teeth to improve their quality of life by restoring chewing ability and speech.
Types of Dentures
There are several forms of dentures varying based on the
- Production material
- Position of teeth covered and
- Method of placement.
However, there are two main types of dentures, which are;
Complete Dentures: Full or complete dentures replace all the permanent teeth in the mouth. They’re held in place by being worn over the gums. They are usually made from acrylic or porcelain bonded together with a metal or acrylic base.
Partial Dentures: In contrast to complete dentures, partial dentures replace only the missing or damaged teeth in the mouth. Partial dentures are usually used when several teeth in a particular area of the mouth are lost or to replace one or more missing front teeth. They are usually acrylic and help prevent the remaining teeth from moving.
How to Care for Dentures
Getting dentures can be a big step, and proper care can help them be more comfortable and last longer while reducing the likelihood of seeing the dentist. Here are some tips for caring for your dentures;
- Do not brush your dentures with toothpaste. Abrasives in toothpaste scratch them and wear them out faster.
- Clean your dentures properly with water and a soft-bristled brush daily. Regular flossing and light brushing help remove germs and food particles before placing them in your mouth. Avoid hot water and any form of bleach, and finish off cleaning by drying with a soft towel.
- Wash off your dentures after eating to remove food particles.
- Properly clean your tongue, cheeks and entire mouth each time you remove your dentures. Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. If you have partial dentures, floss and brush the remaining teeth as usual.
- Allow your dentures to rest for at least 8 hours a day, preferably while sleeping, to allow the gums to breathe. Keeping them for too long can increase the likelihood of developing fungal and other forms of mouth infections.
- Keep your dentures in water or cleaning solution overnight. This helps loosen food particles, plaque, and germs.
- When denture adhesives are used, wash them off when you remove your dentures, preferably before bed.
- Handle your dentures properly to prevent them from getting damaged or lost.
- Use Efferdent to freshen your dentures once a week
- See a dentist regularly to ensure that your dentures are properly fitted. During the first few weeks after getting dentures, a dentist should check them at least once a week to ensure a proper fit with no gum irritation or discomfort.
- See a dentist if you develop bleeding gums, mouth sores, bad breath, or your dentures become uncomfortable to use or damaged.
When do you need Dentures?
Dentures are a treatment option for tooth loss. Dental experts recommend getting dentures if you have two or more missing teeth to prevent excessive pressure on the remaining teeth. In addition, you may need dentures if you’ve had an injury, disease, or accident that caused tooth loss.
Dentures are ideal in situations where there are severe cavities in teeth causing irreparable damage. Also, dentures may be necessary when there are periodontally unstable teeth. This occurs when the bone holding the teeth is weakened due to periodontal disease that hasn’t been cared for.
What Are The Steps for Getting Dentures?
The process for getting dentures varies individually depending on the level of care needed. First, you will need to schedule an appointment with a dentist. The average person would require 4-5 appointments over several weeks.
The first stage is an examination of your mouth to assess the general state of the teeth, gums and supporting bone structure. Next, a diagnostic cast of upper and lower impressions of the teeth is taken to create a fitting model for the dentures.
Treatment then follows with a financial discussion of how much the entire process would cost, including teeth extractions. Once the dentist has created the model, they can begin making your dentures.
After the dentures are made, they are fit into your mouth, and necessary adjustments are made. You would need to wear your dentures for several weeks before making final decisions about how they fit over time.
Getting The Right Dentures
Dentures are not as common as they used to be due to better dental preventative care in recent times. Still, many people will need dentures due to varying forms of tooth loss. In cases where they are needed, dentures can help enhance your smile while restoring normal teeth and speech function in affected patients.
At Cedarwood dentistry, we properly assess your teeth to determine if you need dentures. We also help fit dentures custom-made for you that sit as perfect as your normal teeth or even better. Dentures are an investment, and you need to ensure they last for a long time.
Do you need dentures or help to care for the ones you have?
Book an appointment with Cedarwood dentistry or call 804-944-8522 today!