Dentures are a removable set of jaws that replace missing teeth. They’re a more common option of dental prosthetics for old people who tend to lose a great majority of their teeth. And compared to dental implants they are financially friendly option for those missing large amounts of teeth.
Types Of Dentures
There are two types of dentures: complete and partial.
1- Complete Denture
Complete denture is an option to consider if all teeth are missing. And this in itself comes in two different approaches. The first approach is the immediate denture. These are fitted right away. Meaning your doctor places the dentures right after removing the remaining teeth. Immediate dentures are generally more of a temporary option until you get your customized conventional dentures. After placement, you’ll find that it doesn’t exactly fit your mouth. Some changes have to be made until your permanent dentures are ready.
On the other hand, you have the conventional dentures. In this approach your dentist removes the remaining teeth and prepares the mouth beforehand. The next step is to take impressions of your mouth to manufacture a customized denture for your mouth. So you’ll have to wait awhile before getting your dentures.
2- Partial Dentures
They are the option to consider if you have a fair amount of teeth remaining. They’re also suitable if you can’t afford replacement with dental implants.
Taking an impression of your mouth your dentist will send these measurements to an off-site laboratory. They’ll make dentures with artificial teeth but keep the space where your real teeth are empty. This way when you wear your partial denture it’ll fit perfectly around your natural teeth.
Your dentist may make crowns for your real teeth if their aesthetic appearance isn’t ideal. But this is optional and depends on what you want.
How Long Is Treatment Period With Dentures?
The initial process involves treating underlying issues. From gum disease, to cavities, and present infections. Once this is complete, you move to the stage of denture design. This typically takes week involves lots of studying. It’s important that your dentist performs this step immaculately for a comfortable denture. This means making models and moulds of your jaws, and studying how your jaws close.
Before sending your measurements to a laboratory for crafting, all the information needs to be accurate.
But after this, placement is easy. And the hard work pays of where you’ll get a fully comfortable set of dentures. Being tailored to your mouth particularly, they’ll have more grip and anchor.
Advantages:
- They look natural
- They restore dental functions such as chewing
- Prevent the appearance of sunken check by filling the mouth
- Customized and have decent firmness
- Last for around 5 years
Do they Feel Normal?
Unlike dental implants dentures don’t have a root, so the signal transition isn’t very good with them. While they restore dental functions there is a lot of adapting to do.
It’s a process you can accomplish in a few weeks. To train your mouth on eating with dentures, it’s best to begin with soft foods only diet. They’re easier to chew on and will give you sufficient exercise to get the hang of it. Gradually add hard foods until you’re back to eating normally.
But overall, there will be some diary restrictions with dentures. For instance, you can’t chew gum or eat chewy foods. Eating foods that are too hard or too hot is also not recommended.
What To Expect After Placement?
Your doctor will instruct you to keep wearing your dentures for 24 hours during the first week. This is important for you to learn about all the aspects of your dentures that cause discomfort to you. While wearing dentures for the first time may feel uncomfortable all together, you need to look out for specific problems. For instance maybe your dentures are too loose, or they click when you talk. All these issues you should report to your dentist who will work on improving your dentures to better fit you.
How To Take Care Of Dentures
Dentures have their own aftercare routine. But you’ll only start this routine after a week from placement. Only then you’ll be allowed to remove your dentures and preferably soak your denture is a special solution. This is important because it allows your gums to breath and for normal saliva cleansing.
Alternative To Dentures
Many prefer dental implants, but the procedure is both costly and lengthy. You’ll get your implants in around 6 months since the start of the treatment. Hence, why people resort to dentures. But an option that is in between both is the all-on-4 dental implants. It’s an alternative to dentures that uses 4 dental implants per jaw and hence gives you more anchor.
It also ensures better signal transmission and eliminates the process of adaptation following placement. Because they’re anchored in the bone, their longevity is extended for at least triple the lifespan of dentures.
What Are Dentures Adhesive
They are products that come in the form or a paste or powder to help give your dentures stronger anchor. Some find that denture adhesives give them great assistance. For example, they provide better bite control, add more security, and increase stability.
They’re not really necessary for everybody. This depends on several conditions. For instance, having a dry mouth. A dry mouth can loosen anchor and cause trouble for the wearer.
You may also consider them if you have a job that demands excessive talking or the excessive use of facial muscles.