Dentures are an increasingly popular dental solution for many people. They are prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and restore a person’s smile. Dentures can help improve a person’s ability to eat and speak and restore the aesthetics of the mouth.
This article will provide an overview of the basics of dentures, including types, benefits, potential risks, and alternatives. Additionally, it will discuss the denture fitting process and how to care for them.
With this information, readers will know to make an informed decision about whether dentures are the best solution for them.
Types of Dentures
Dental prostheses, more commonly known as dentures, come in various styles and designs to suit each individual’s needs. There are two main types of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures.
Complete dentures, also known as false teeth, replace all-natural teeth, while partial dentures replace only some natural ones. Both types of dentures are made of artificial teeth attached to a pink-coloured base designed to resemble the gums.
Conventional or traditional dentures are complete or partial dentures held in place by the suction created between the base of the denture and the gums.
Implant-retained dentures are a more permanent solution that uses dental implants to secure the dentures. Implant-retained dentures provide a more secure fit and are less likely to slip or move than conventional dentures.
Benefits of Dentures
Replace missing teeth with dentures can offer numerous advantages, such as improved oral health, better chewing capacity, and a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
For instance, a study conducted in 2013 found that denture wearers reported a significant increase in their quality of life after receiving their prosthesis, describing it as a metaphorical ‘breath of fresh air’.
The benefits of dentures include:
- Improved gum tissue health, as dentures, protect the remaining teeth and gums from further damage caused by tooth loss.
- Better fitting and more aesthetically pleasing dentures, as ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort and can lead to gum disease.
- Adequate oral hygiene, as dentures should be cleaned daily with a brush and adhesive.
- Alternative to implant-retained dentures can be a more expensive option for replacing missing teeth.
Dentures are a viable solution for replacing missing teeth, and they offer a variety of benefits. Dentures can be a long-lasting and effective solution for restoring a person’s smile with proper care and maintenance.
Potential Risks and Problems
Although dentures can offer many benefits, there are potential risks and problems associated with the use of dentures.
The denture materials used to make dentures can irritate the gums, and the denture teeth may not fit properly and cause further irritation.
Additionally, when artificial teeth are used instead of natural teeth, bone loss can occur due to the lack of regular eating stimulation.
In addition, tooth decay may occur if the dentures are not appropriately cleaned daily and routine dental visits are not maintained.
Furthermore, when dentures are not worn, the underlying bone below the dentures atrophies and shrinks, resulting in a loose fit of the dentures.
This can lead to discomfort or even difficulty speaking and eating.
To prevent this, dentures should be worn regularly and kept adequately with daily brushing and regular professional denture maintenance.
With proper care, denture-wearers can enjoy the benefits of dentures without having to worry about potential risks and problems.
How to Care for Dentures
Caring for dentures involves a few simple steps to ensure they remain in good condition and last many years.
Removable dentures should be removed from the mouth before bedtime and cleaned with a denture cleaner or mild soap and a soft-bristled brush.
A denture adhesive, such as denture glue, can ensure the dentures remain well-fitting.
Non-removable dentures like dental bridges should be brushed with regular toothpaste and a denture brush with soft bristles.
Eating soft foods and avoiding hard or sticky foods can help to protect the dentures and metal clasps from damage.
Additionally, dentures should be soaked in a denture cleaning solution every night to ensure they remain clean and bacteria-free.
By following these simple steps, your dentures will remain in good condition and last many years.
Alternatives to Dentures
For those seeking alternatives to dentures, various options are available to suit individual needs. From denture adjustment services to custom dentures, the options range from traditional to modern and vary in price.
- Traditional dentures include acrylic and chrome, which are custom-made for each patient.
- Acrylic dentures may require some denture adjustment and fit and must be handled with special cleaning and maintenance.
- Chrome-plated dentures are more expensive but are more durable and have a longer lifespan.
- Modern denture alternatives include denture adhesives and denture borders.
- Denture adhesives are safe and help keep the denture in place.
- Denture borders are less expensive than traditional dentures and provide a more natural teeth look and feel.
The Dentures Fitting Process
The denture fitting process is a vital part of the process for those who choose to replace missing teeth with dentures. It typically consists of several appointments, taking an estimated three to four appointments on average, although the time frame can vary depending on the individual.
During the denture fitting process, the dentist will take impressions of the patient’s mouth, craft a metal framework of the dentures, and then place the dentures in the patient’s mouth. Before the dentures are placed, the dentist may need to remove teeth to make room for the dentures and allow for proper healing of the denture-bearing tissues.
In addition to the fitting process, proper denture care and maintenance are essential for optimal results. This includes regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings and taking care of the dentures daily.
Other options, such as contemporary dentures, bridges, and dental implants, offer better denture adherence and stability for those looking for alternative dentures, bridges, and implants. It is essential to talk to a dentist to determine which option is best for you.
Key Takeaways
The use of dentures has been a useful form of dental care for many centuries.
It is essential to understand the basics of dentures, such as the types of dentures, their potential benefits, risks, and problems, and how to care for them properly.
There are also alternative solutions for those who are not suited for dentures.
The fitting process is essential for dentures to be properly fitted and comfortable.
Further research in this area could be beneficial in providing an understanding of the benefits of dentures for oral health.
Ultimately, it is essential to minimise any potential risks to make dentures a safe and viable solution for long-term dental care.
For professional denture care in Endeavour Hills, VIC, visit Endeavour Smiles Group for personalised advice and guidance. Our team of experienced practitioners will ensure you receive the highest quality care and the best possible outcome for your denture needs. Contact us to make an appointment and learn how dentures can improve your health and well-being.
