Everything You Need to Know About Dentures
May 21, 2017
Whether you want to get dentures or already have them there is a lot that you should know about having them to take the optimal care of your oral health and your expensive dentures.
Dentures are simply fake teeth and gums that are put in the mouth if your natural teeth have been lost or removed your own natural teeth. Dentures can cover part or all of where your natural teeth would have originally been. These will be designed to custom-fit your mouth.
Dentures have in the past been made out of porcelain or plastic and today are generally made of hard resin. These materials are softer than your original teeth would have been, so they will chip or crack much quicker than the natural teeth. The teeth are held to the natural gum line by the fake gums that are custom-fit to the curvature of your mouth. They are made of a flexible polymer fiber that fits snugly to the natural gum line.
Dentures not only help improve the aesthetic look of your mouth, but can also help improve a smile for someone who has multiple missing teeth. Dentures make it easy to eat and chew harder foods as well. It ensures that you can consume more than liquids and ensures that you are getting proper nourishment. Having fitting dentures helps eliminate and remove a lot of problems that would otherwise exist with the fit of the dentures.
Partial dentures are often used to replace a few lost teeth instead of surrounding the other healthy teeth when the remaining teeth are not healthy enough to hold or support dental bridges or other tooth replacement implants that consist of two or more teeth. These dentures are fitted to the gum line where they will have to rest to ensure that they stay in place while the person eats and drinks throughout a day. These are not permanently fastened like a bridge or implant, however, and you are able to be removed to clean the dentures and put back into the mouth.
Full dentures also known as complete dentures are dentures that replace all the natural teeth in your mouth. They are fitted to the top or bottom gum line respectively, and are held in place throughout the day by oral adhesives. Just like the partial dentures they remove easily.
Immediate dentures are the dentures that are either full or partial dentures that differ from permanent dentures as they are only meant to be used just while the gums are healing from where one’s natural teeth are removed. This is until the gums heal and the permanent dentures are able to be put in. This is usually a few days to a couple weeks depending on how long it takes your gum line and natural tissue to heal.
The overdentures are used in cases where traditional dentures are too uncomfortable or if there are a few natural teeth that are still left. Overdentures are fitted to the roots of the remaining teeth to put teeth in between the natural ones that are left over. Some people find these kinds of dentures more comfortable fitting than natural ones.
Implant-supported dentures are as the name implies these dentures are anchored by dental implants. A dental implant is a permanent fixture that is attached to the jawbone and can be used to replace any number of teeth that you may have lost. They are comprised of the implant itself which is a metal post and a custom crown which look like natural tooth.
Implant-supported dentures have a few different ways they can attach but should be cared for like any traditional dentures. It’s more common to have fewer problems on the lower jaw than the upper jaw with implants like this but many people have plenty of both and have no problems. The upper jaw implants are also likely to be less secure than the bottom ones as well.
When you have dentures to clean them you should be cleaning them every day just like regular teeth. To clean dentures take them out of the mouth and rinse them under water to help remove any food particles that may be lodged on the teeth. Use a soft denture-specific toothbrush and some mild soap or dental cleaner to brush the teeth and do not use regular toothpaste o electronic toothbrushes as they are too abrasive and will break the tooth down quickly.
Also clean your gums while the teeth are out with a very soft toothbrush head and some fluoridated toothpaste if needed. If your toothbrush is too harsh use your finger wrapped in a washcloth to run it along your gum line to help get any food that is lodged in there out.
Always remove dentures before sleeping to avoid damaging them and it also gives your gums time to relax. Submerge the dentures in warm water while you sleep to let them soak, but ensure that teeth are not left lying around as they get overly dry and can become mis-shaped and will no longer fit in your mouth the way they were meant to.
In the end, always remember that dentures are nothing to be ashamed of. Accidents or trauma can happen to someone at any age as well as infections can also happen as well. Dentures are not just for seniors despite the stereotypes that circulate these days. There is no shame in wearing dentures! If you need such tools do not hesitate to enquire. They exist to help you chew better, feel more confident, and love how you look so you can smile again!
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The Ramona Dentistry Team “Where Family Comes First”