If you have missing teeth or do your dentists recommend removing them, learning about dentures may be the best option for restoring your smile. Dentures are prosthetic replacements for lost or removed natural teeth, giving an individual an aesthetically pleasing and fully functioning set of pearly whites. This blog post covers all you need to know about dentures!
Understanding dentures
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth. They have been around for centuries and have been adapted to modern technology to provide a comfortable fit and natural-looking smile for their users. Dentures are composed of an acrylic resin base designed to mimic the contours of the gum line, as well as a full or partial set of false teeth made from either acrylic or porcelain.
Benefits of wearing dentures
Wearing dentures can provide numerous benefits for those who may have lost teeth due to aging or medical intervention. Dentures are custom-made prostheses that restore the mouth’s functions and aesthetics following the loss of natural teeth. Wearing dentures has improved confidence and self-esteem as wearers can express themselves fully by smiling, laughing and speaking. Using modern materials like acrylic resins allows dentists to create highly lifelike reproductions of lost teeth, so individuals do not need to worry about losing out on the physical aesthetic of a full set of healthy teeth.
Moreover, comfortable fit is a priority with custom-made dentures, as they should be adjusted to ensure ease of wear. Doing so maximises convenience for wearers by creating an environment with fewer restrictions on what foods they can eat than if they did not use dentures. Finally, wearing dentures has also been linked to stabilising the jawbone structure over time because it offsets some of the bone shrinkages that could occur without those artificial structures. Overall, dentures can provide substantial benefits across multiple facets of life.
What are the Different Types of Dentures?
Full dentures
Full dentures replace all teeth in a dental arch (top or bottom). These dentures are made from an acrylic base that fits over your gums and supports a full set of artificial teeth.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures fill in gaps left by one or more missing teeth. These dentures are typically held in place by metal clasps that attach to your natural teeth and are removable.
Immediate dentures
Immediate dentures, as mentioned above, are placed immediately after any remaining teeth have been removed, so you don’t have to endure a period of not having any teeth while your gums heal.
Overdentures
Overdentures are similar to partial dentures, but instead of using clasps, they fit over existing teeth or implants and provide added stability and support. They can be either completely removable or secured with attachments to the underlying implant-supported crowns.
How to Care for Dentures?
Caring for dentures is an important part of maintaining good oral health. Dentures must be cleaned daily using a toothbrush, a denture cleanser, or mild, non-abrasive hand soap. To avoid damaging the dentures, using a soft-bristled brush and gentle scrubbing motions around the gums is important. After brushing, dentures should be rinsed thoroughly in cold water after brushing to remove any remaining polish or particles. It is also essential to keep dentures clean in the solution overnight when not in use, as it helps prevent them from drying out and prevents fungus and bacteria growth. Lastly, replacing your dentures every five to seven years allows for proper cleaning and ensures that they fit properly and comfortably in the mouth.
Dentures at Piazza Dental, Hornsby, NSW
Dentures are a great way to restore your smile if you have lost some or all of your natural teeth. They can be made to look very natural and, with proper care, last for many years. If dentures are right for you, talk to your dentist about what options are available.
