The set of 32 teeth that humans have is important not only for chewing food but also for speaking clearly. However, some disease-induced dental issues, accidents, and natural aging may weaken your teeth and cause them to fall off. When that happens, you will have to consider getting dentures. Let’s talk about them here.
What are dentures?
Dentures are a false set of teeth that can be worn and removed as per your activities, such as chewing and speaking. They can replace your natural set of teeth, especially when you have lost all of them. However, people often fall prey to the wrong notion that dentures are needed when all your teeth have fallen. In reality, you can go for dentures even when you lose part of your natural set of teeth too.
Signs that you should go for dentures
Besides already having a missing tooth or teeth, either due to disease or accident, here are some other telltale signs that you might have to consider getting dentures:
- Poor oral hygiene
The more you take care of your teeth, the longer they last. But poor oral hygiene practices, such as improper brushing or forgetting to brush and lack of flossing can damage your teeth, sometimes irreparably. The accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and other contaminants in the gaps can damage your teeth, causing them to fall off.
- You have inflamed and bleeding gums
Prolonged gum inflammation can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. If the problem is not treated at an early stage, then it culminates into severely red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It can lead to bone loss, which can ultimately cause your tooth or even teeth to fall. When this happens, you need to go for dentures.
- A shift in the position of your teeth
There may occur situations when your teeth shift their position and create gaps in between them. This is common in cases where the person has suffered bone loss, gum, or periodontal disease. When teeth move, they tend to become loose and eventually fall off. More often than not, it happens without your knowledge. In case you see any difference in the alignment of your teeth, you should contact a dentist for dentures.
- Difficulty in chewing
When your gums become weak, the first thing you will experience is difficulty in chewing hard foods. Chewing some types of chewy meats and candies can be painful. You might also find it difficult to chew certain foods because your teeth have cracked, have fallen off, or have developed cavities. In extreme cases, tooth or teeth removal is the only option. When that happens, you might have to go for dentures to fill the treated area.
Types of dentures
Depending on the nature of your case, you have the following denture options:
- Complete dentures
Also called full dentures, these dentures are pretty conventional. They are often worn after an extraction process when the gum has healed completely. The observed period for the healing process is circa two months, after which you can go for complete dentures. These dentures are the ideal replacement for your natural teeth as they rest on your gums.
- Partial dentures
Partial dentures are seen as a better option when the severity of your decay is not much. These dentures replace some and not all of your natural teeth. They are highly dependent on the health of the adjacent tooth for support. These dentures are tightly fixed with metal clasps, and they rest on your gum tissue. The best part about these dentures is that they prevent adjacent healthy teeth from moving.
- Implant-supported dentures
These dentures come as an ideal option when all of your natural teeth have fallen off. Most lower-jaw dentures lack suction, which is why dentists may have to resort to impacts for support. These implants are anchored to your jawbone, thereby proving a permanent solution for your missing teeth. However, it’s important to note that implant-supported dentures may prove slightly more expensive than other options.
- Immediate dentures
Immediate dentures are put immediately after the tooth extraction process. These dentures prove beneficial for people who have extracted one or more teeth. With these dentures, you don’t have to wait for your gums to heal after an extraction. Your dentist will place the denture on the treated area immediately after the procedure to avoid the gum shrinkage that takes place during the healing process.
How can dentures benefit you?
There are a host of positive aspects associated with dentures. One of the most obvious benefits is that dentures reduce the risk of future infections. Moreover, they boost your self-confidence by giving you a natural-looking smile. You don’t have to be conscious of an open gap due to a missing tooth when you smile or speak. With dentures, even your speech becomes clearer, and your face gets a healthier shape.
How to maintain your dentures?
When you get dentures, it’s extremely important to take consistent care. You need to brush your dentures every day, especially after every meal, to purge out food particles and plaque. Also, you should consider taking them off at night to prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth. Soak them in water overnight before wearing them again in the morning.
Dentures are one of the greatest dental inventions. Most of you may be reluctant to get them, but they are quite easy to use and maintain. It’s always recommended that you consult a dentist, who will examine your oral health, and then suggest the best option. For advice and assistance with Dentures please contact the DentureCare Professionals Australia.
