There are many treatments available to restore missing teeth, but dentures are among the most common. They consist of appliances that are usually removable and consist of a base of hard acrylic or metal that supports artificial teeth. Their purpose is to restore oral function so that you can talk and eat more or less the way you used to before you lost your teeth. They also improve the appearance of your smile.
As with any sort of dental treatment, dentures offer both advantages and disadvantages. Not everyone can benefit from them, but asking your dentist questions can help you determine whether they are a good treatment option for you.
Treatment with dentures can last the rest of your life, but you will not necessarily keep your first set for that long. Due to a combination of wear and tear on the appliances and changes that occur in your mouth following tooth loss, a set of false teeth typically only lasts up to 10 years, at which point it has to be replaced or at least modified.
When it comes to traditional removable dental appliances, there are two types available. A full arch replaces all the teeth in the jaw, whether upper or lower. Partials attach to natural teeth remaining in the jaw to replace those that are missing. Either the lower or upper jaw can be treated with either type of denture. For example, if you have no teeth in your upper jaw but some healthy teeth remaining in the lower one, you can combine a full arch on the top with a partial on the bottom. Depending on the extent of your tooth loss, you could also have a full arch on both the upper and lower jaws or partials on both.
Each denture is custom-made to fit snugly on the gums. Partials are held in place by clasps or attachments that connect to the natural teeth. A full arch relies on suction created between the appliance and the gums to stay in place. In either case, the connection can be enhanced with the use of dental fixative, a type of adhesive that provides additional support when applied between the denture's base and the gums, preventing the appliance from shifting position.
Keeping bulky items in your mouth during all your waking hours can be a challenge. During the initial adjustment period, you may experience minor soreness and irritation, excessive drooling, and facial muscle fatigue. These symptoms are expected and temporary. Factors unique to your situation may influence how long it takes you to get used to your new dentures, but it usually happens within a month, perhaps a few weeks with consistent wear.
Whenever you are finished eating, be sure to run warm water over the dentures to loosen and remove any food particles or debris. You should also clean your mouth whenever you take out the appliance, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any denture adhesive that is still on your gums. Keep the dentures soaking in a special denture-made solution to help keep them moist as well as to potentially remove bacteria. Just be sure to rinse them off thoroughly before reinserting them into your mouth.
Although dentures replace missing teeth, there is a transition period when first having dentures inserted. You will need to eat soft foods during this period to give your gums and mouth time to adjust. Food should also be cut into small pieces to avoid excessive chewing during these first few days.
To help keep the dentures from moving too much during eating, try to place foods onto both sides of the mouth and chew evenly. Even with these precautions, you should avoid eating hard, crunchy foods like nuts, apples, popcorn, or carrot sticks as well as sticky foods or candies like caramels or gummy bears. Tough meats like ribs, steak, and pork can cause sore spots where the gums and dentures meet from all the grinding and chewing.
Asking your dentist questions about treatment with removable appliances helps you decide whether this is the right option to address your tooth loss. Dentures need to be cared for to help maintain the coloring and durability of the materials, and some adjustments may need to be made to your diet.
Request an appointment here: https://www.allsmilesdentalcenter.com or call All Smiles Dental Center at (210) 714-7429 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dentures in San Antonio, TX.
Getting dentures is the most affordable way to restore lost teeth. These removable dental replacements are easy to acquire as well. Upper and lower dental replacements are custom-fit. Your dentist can recommend them under the right conditions. If you want to know when dentures can replace missing teeth, here are the details.Dental implants are the…
For some people, the idea of getting dentures can be a scary prospect. If you are in this situation, it may mean that you have lost most or all of your teeth. This could have happened because they were severely decayed or many of them were damaged in a serious accident. Regardless of why you…
As you age, you are more likely to lose your teeth to decay, injury, or gum disease. Dentures can help you restore your smile, ensure you can speak and chew properly, and regain your confidence. However, with so many options, deciding what type works for you may feel overwhelming. Understanding your options will help you to…
As teeth get older, you may have to consider replacing them with dentures or partial dentures. This can lead to a lot of questions, especially if a person has never owned dentures previously. It is important to understand the current condition of one’s teeth in order to determine the right denture fit. Teeth naturally wear…
Dental implants replace missing teeth and help with chewing, speaking, and smiling. They can consist of titanium or a combination of titanium and ceramic materials. Dental implants serve as anchors for artificial replacements: full dentures, partial dentures, dental crowns, and bridges. If you are considering dental implants, this guide will help you know what to…
Dental implants are long-lasting, permanent tooth replacements. They are a popular choice among patients for their durability and ability to look and feel like natural teeth. However, dental implants are an investment, and they should be cared for as such. Follow the tips below to help extend the life span of your implants and prevent…