Dentures play a vital role in dental health, and if you have issues with losing teeth or decay, consider using dentures. They are a replacement for lost teeth and gum that you can remove at any time. These replacements are totally safe and just about anybody can use them. In fact, many people are currently using them, and you can hardly tell them apart from natural ones unless a wearer removes them.
Types of Dentures
There are two types of dentures in use today. One is a partial denture, and it is ideal for replacing teeth when only some of them are lost. Two is a complete denture, which is the type that replaces all of them. A dentist will determine what type to use depending on the remaining ones, if any, and the need to remove them.
● Partial Denture
This type goes in the place of some missing teeth and is usually attached to a base that looks and has the color of the gum. In some cases, the denture attaches with the help of a metal framework to keep it in place inside the mouth. It works on either the lower or upper jaw; a dentist sets a bridge in place by replacing the missing ones with crowns and attaching artificial teeth to the crowns.
Afterward, the dentist cements the bridge in the mouth. Apart from giving you a better smile and the ability to eat, one other advantage is that it does not allow any remaining teeth from shifting from their original position. And if you use the precision partial type, it comes with attachments instead of clasps, making you look more natural.
● Complete Denture
This type takes the place of all the teeth in the mouth. A complete denture can either be immediate or conventional. An immediate one is fixed as soon as the old teeth are taken out. That means they are made before the date of the removal. There is no need to wait for some time while the clinic makes the dentures.
One downside of this type is that it may become uncomfortable with time. Typically, the gum and surrounding bones shrunk when teeth are removed and if the dentures fit before shrinking happens, they will become tight. Therefore, there will be a need for some adjustments. Dentists usually advise patients to use them only temporarily.
On the other hand, a conventional type is made after teeth removal happens and healing has begun. If there are leftover teeth that need to be removed, the dentist will take them out, wait for healing to start, and get the correct measurements. That way, the healing gum, and bones will not shrink over the denture. But it may take a few weeks to be ready after teeth removal. Nevertheless, they are better than the immediate type. Read this article to learn more about the types and how they work.
Do Dentures Have Alternatives?
There are excellent alternatives to dentures. If you are not comfortable with removable replacement teeth, consider dental implants. Dental clinics, such as Nuvia Smiles, have the technology and expertise to remove old teeth and replace them with implants,
However, it is important to note that dental implants are not for everybody. Your doctor must have your dental and medical history, check your gum, and assess your jawbone before determining whether or not you are fit for such an invasive surgery. And if you are a good candidate, find out if insurance covers the cost.
Does a Person Look Different with Dentures?
To the untrained eye, dentures are no different from natural teeth. As mentioned before, many people walk around with them and you may never be able to tell unless they say so or remove the replacement.
But if someone knows you, they may notice a slight difference in your facial appearance. Usually, that comes from comparing the almost perfect dentition to what yours used to be. However, they tend to give you a better smile and fill out your face in a better way.
Do You Wear Dentures All Day?
The length of time you wear them will depend on the instructions from your dentist. In some cases, you will need to wear them all day, even while going to bed, for the first few days. You will be able to report discomfort to the dentist this way, even though it may be uncomfortable wearing them for that long.
However, if there is no need for an adjustment or after adjustments are made, your dentist will advise you to remove them at night. That way, your gum rests while saliva and the tongue stimulate and cleanse it. You cannot effectively do this while wearing the replacement teeth. In the morning, you can put the dentures back into place.
The Process of Making Dentures
Making dentures is for specialists. You may have to make several trips to your dentist before the process begins, especially if you are going for the complete conventional one. The dentist has to check your mouth to determine which type will work best for you and:
Take several jaw impressions while measuring the two jaws and how they relate. Next, they will make models with wax or plastic with the measurements and impressions. That way, you can test them before getting the real ones.
They will need to see how they fit and if there are issues. They will also check the shape and color as you try them a few times before going for the final cast. When you get the real ones, you will try them again and if necessary, the dentist will make adjustments.
Conclusion
Using dentures is a cost-effective way to replace lost teeth and look amazing at the same time. Most people are candidates for this type of replacement, but it is always best to consult with your dentist to be sure.
Also, you must learn how to take care of them, ensuring to follow the instructions from your doctor. You must handle them with care and never clean them using toothpaste; use only denture cleaners. When you are not wearing them, put them in water or a soaking solution. Most importantly, see your dentist twice a year or as instructed to maintain the replacement properly.