Dental Dentures 101: Everything You Need to Know

Missing teeth can affect your dental structure. Not replacing them on time may cause the bone to deteriorate and lead to the weakening of your teeth. Replacing your teeth is, therefore, more of a restorative than a cosmetic procedure.

Luckily, several dental options are available that can replace your teeth from bridges to implants. However, if you have multiple missing teeth and are looking for an affordable dental solution, dentures are the way to go.

Although dentures are thought to be for the seniors, they are a dental solution for everyone. Plus, they offer better dental support and are convenient compared to the rest of the options. Keep reading to learn more about dentures.

1. Where Can You Go for Your Dentures?

When you are ready, visit a prosthodontist, a dental specialist who focuses on restoration and teeth replacement. The prosthodontist will examine your dental structure to determine if dentures area suitable dental treatment. They will also assess the extent of bone loss and recommend further treatment if needed.

2. What Types of Dentures Are Available?

Dentures can replace all or a few teeth, but they can either be complete or partial.

• Complete dentures

Complete can replace all the teeth either on the upper or lower jaw. These dentures are further grouped into two—conventional and immediate.

Conventional dentures are fixed after the remaining teeth are removed, and the gum tissues have healed (takes eight to 12 weeks).

Immediate dentures are fixed soon after the remaining teeth are removed. Using immediate dentures give your benefit of never having missing teeth. However, because they are fitted before the gum heals, they will need constant adjustments to create a perfect fit.

• Partial dentures

Partial false teeth replace some, but not all, missing teeth. They are made of a metal framework that is attached to your natural teeth for support.

3. What Is the Process of Making Dentures?

Once the prosthodontist determines the right type of denture for you, they make an impression of your teeth. Next, they will create denture models using the shape. Several adjustments may be made to the dentures and the color examined before the final denture is created.

4. What to Expect When You First Wear the Dentures?

New dentures will first feel loose in the first few weeks. Saliva production will increase, and you may also feel slight irritation as the tongue, cheeks, and gums get used to the dentures.

Furthermore, eating with dentures will need a little practice. You can start with soft foods that don’t need a lot of chewing.

Also, your speech may be slightly impaired, but will soon return to normal as you adapt to the dentures.

5. How Long Should You Wear the Dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances. However, you may need to wear them for 24 hours in the first few days to get the right fit and for your gums to adapt to them. After that, remove them at night to allow the gums to rest.

6. How to Care for Your Dentures?

Taking care of your dentures is paramount in increasing their durability and lifespan.

• Don’t let the dentures dry out. Once your remove them, store the dentures in the soaking solution provided or use plain water.
• Brush your dentures daily, but don’t use the normal toothpaste. Also, use a soft-bristled brush to clean off any buildup.
• Don’t use bleach on your dentures to whiten them. Dentures are false teeth, and the shade is permanent, meaning you cannot whiten them like your normal teeth. If the dentures are stained, speak to the prosthodontist on how to change the shade (you might need new ones, though).
• If the dentures break, do not try to readjust them. Visit our dentist immediately for a replacement.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have multiple missing teeth on your upper or lower jaw, dentures may offer the best solution. Visit Dental Arts St. Pete Beach, FL, for assessment and discussion with our prosthodontist on the pros and cons of wearing dentures.