Do you remember when dentures were regarded as fixtures for older people with missing teeth? A lot has changed since then. Today a majority of people, both young and old, consider dentures as a suitable dental solution. Moreover, a significant percentage of adults above 40 years either have partial or full dentures.
Dentures or removable dental appliances replace missing and damaged teeth. There are numerous benefits of dentures and here are reasons to consider them:
1. Avoid Invasive Procedures
Although our teeth can last for a lifetime, factors like decay and accidents can lead to premature loss of your teeth. In severe dental decay, the teeth may require extraction and once the teeth are pulled, they won’t grow back. You will need cosmetic procedures such as implants or bridges to replace them. Dental implants and bridges are slightly invasive procedures that may not be ideal for some people. Using dentures can help you avoid these invasive procedures and maintain your dental integrity. Remember, bridges need trimming off a percentage of your enamel.
2. Improve Appearance
Dental decay, gum disease, and lifestyles can cause staining on the teeth. Furthermore, they weaken them and creates an irregular teeth shape. These removable appliances will improve your appearance as they mimic your teeth in function and look.
3. Prevent Dental and Facial Changes
Missing teeth not only affect your dental structures by causing the surrounding teeth to shift, but also change your facial appearance. With multiple missing teeth, your face will start to sink in and become narrow.
Dentures will replace your teeth, protect your dental structure, keep your facial muscles tight, and restore its shape.
4. Make Eating Easier
Missing teeth will make eating and speaking a challenge. Furthermore, as we age, our teeth and jawbone will weaken and affect eating habits. Getting dentures will solve the problem in quick, simple steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Type of Dentures Do I Need?
There are two primary categories of dental dentures—partial and full dentures.
- Partial dentures are ideal if you have lost less than half of your teeth, and the surrounding teeth are healthy. The dentist will use the dentures to fix the missing teeth and prevent the rest from shifting.
- Full dentures are ideal if you have lost all teeth either in the upper or lower jaw. Dr. Cecilia Sorelle may also recommend full dentures if you have lost a few teeth and the remaining ones will need to be extracted to make room for the treatment.
Q. What Are Conventional or Immediate Dentures?
There are still two categories of dentures, but the full dentures are further categorized into immediate and conventional.
Immediate dentures are designed in advance and are fixed as soon as the teeth are extracted. These dentures maintain dental appearance during the recovery period, but they need constant adjustments. As the jaws heal, the bones will shrink and cause the dentures to loosen. That’s why immediate dentures are used as a temporary solution.
Conventional dentures, on the other hand, are ideal after the gum has begun to heal. The dentist can fix the conventional denture within eight to 12 months after extraction.
Q. What’s The Process of Getting Dentures?
You will need a few dental appointments to get the dentures. The dentist will first examine your dental structure and determine what type of denture you will need. A dental impression of your teeth is taken to create dentures that fit snugly on the gums. The dentist will examine the fit, shape and color and create the final cast.
Q. How Can You Take Care of Your Dentures?
Similar to your natural teeth, your dentures need proper care to remove food particles and prevent staining. Always clean the dentures with a non-abrasive cleanser and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Ensure you place the dentures in water or solution to keep them from drying up.
Get Your Dentures
Do you want a comfortable and affordable dental solution for your teeth? The dentures are ideal. Visit Dental Arts St. Pete Beach dental clinic if you have any questions about dentures and how to care for them.