Maintaining Your Smile With Dentures
Replacing missing teeth with dentures is essential for maintaining facial aesthetics, as the absence of natural teeth can lead to sagging cheeks and jaw, creating an aged appearance. Full or partial dentures not only restore your smile but also improve your ability to chew and bite, letting you enjoy foods that may have been difficult to eat due to missing teeth.
While dentures are a practical cosmetic solution, they function differently from natural teeth. Their stability can vary from person to person, and your dentist will offer guidance on which foods to avoid or adjust, such as cutting meats into smaller pieces for easier chewing. Speaking with dentures may initially be challenging, particularly with sounds like “s” or “th,” but with practice, most people find their speech improves over time.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth. They consist of a plastic base that mimics the appearance of your gums, with teeth typically made from acrylic. Both the gum and tooth parts are customized to closely resemble the natural look of your mouth.
Dentures are ideal for individuals missing some or all of their teeth. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, dentures can be either full or partial, filling in the gaps where teeth are missing.
Full Dentures
Full dentures cover the entire arch of your upper or lower jaw, sitting snugly on the ridge of bone where your teeth once were. The top dentures use suction between the denture and the roof of your mouth (palate) to stay in place. In contrast, bottom dentures have less surface area to adhere to, so they may require some adjustment to feel secure.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are designed to fill in the gaps between remaining teeth. They are secured by clips that attach to your natural teeth. If the base is made of metal, these dentures are known as "cast partials" and are both thinner and more durable. However, the metal clips may be visible when you smile. If the base is made of plastic, the clips are less noticeable, offering a more discreet option.
Procedure Overview
Getting dentures involves several steps. First, your dentist will take a mold or scan of your gums and remaining teeth. From this, a model of your mouth is created to ensure the dentures fit the contours of your jaw and gums perfectly. Once your dentures are ready, you’ll return to try them on, and your dentist will make any necessary adjustments for comfort and fit before sending you home with your new dentures.
Aftercare
Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity and comfort of your dentures. Since dentures are removable, it is not recommended to wear them overnight. This allows your gums to rest and promotes natural lubrication. Dentures should be cleaned with a special denture toothpaste and a soft-bristled or denture brush. Be cautious when cleaning them to avoid dropping them on hard surfaces, which can cause damage. It’s recommended to clean dentures over a towel or in a basin of water. Additionally, dentures should be soaked overnight in a denture solution to prevent drying out and brittleness.
