So, what are dentures? Well, let’s start at the beginning. When you’re a child and a tooth falls out, the tooth fairy comes to replace it soon enough. And not only that… she even leaves you some money in exchange for the tooth! Plus it’s way fun to watch your new tooth grow in.
Sadly the same can’t be said when you’re an adult and you lose a permanent tooth.
When that happens, it’s not the tooth fairy but dentures that can come to your rescue. True, dentures don’t sound as heroic or fun as the tooth fairy. But, if you’ve lost a tooth as an adult, they’re one of the few options you’ve got.
If you’re thinking about dentures and want to do a little research, you’re in the right spot. In this short, to the point article (written in plain English!) we’re going to look at what dentures are, how they help and answer other important questions about them.
So, first things first…
What Are Dentures?
You can basically think of dentures as replacement teeth. However, they are not a permanent option like implants. You can remove your dentures and put them back in your mouth whenever you want.
You might need some time to get used to your new dentures. And they may never feel like the natural teeth.
That said, when you have dentures you won’t have to worry about your smile… they look pretty natural. And there are always new dentures that are being developed that do feel quite comfortable.
How Do Dentures Help?
Remember how awkward it is to see your grandparents without any teeth? Well teeth are not just for looks!
Believe it or not, we need our teeth to smile, eat, and even talk. And dentures are essential in helping to keep the right structure of the mouth. One of the ways they help is to help you chew correctly and at the right speed.
Also, people with various health and oral issues might need dentures. Replacing any damaged natural teeth with dentures can help eliminate many problems.
How Long Will It Take For You To Adjust With The Dentures?
At first, anything new may feel a bit uncomfortable! And dentures are no exception.
New dentures can feel very awkward at first. It might feel like you have something bulky and foreign in your mouth (because you kind of do!). This is quite common. It just means you’ll need a little practice talking and eating with the dentures.
Also, when you first get them, there might be signs of minor irritations. Again, this is completely natural in the beginning.
However, if problems persist, it’s best to visit your dentist. But, for most people, you’ll get used to them pretty quickly.
Different Types of Dentures
There are a few different types of dentures and your dentist can help you choose the best type for you. The dentist will also let you know if all of your teeth need to be replaced or just some. Whatever type you need, dentures are custom-made so they fit the structure of your mouth correctly.
The different types of dentures available are:
Conventional Full denture: This denture is placed inside the mouth after the teeth and their remnants are removed. Because teeth are removed, the gum tissues may need some time to heal. In this case, you might have to live without any teeth for a while.
Immediate Full denture: In this case, the denture is placed right after your teeth are removed. The measurements of the mouth are taken prior to setting the denture. These dentures need to be relined within a few months of insertion because as the bones for the teeth heal, the dentures can become loose.
Partial denture: This type of denture rests on top of your natural teeth. They basically act as anchors for your dentures. These dentures can be an alternative to bridges.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures made with Acrylic Resins are wear-resistant and can last for over five years. These days, they are usually made of hard resin.
In the case of Porcelain dentures, the materials used are very fragile and tend to break or chip away easily. However, they are more resistant to wear.
Either way, dentures require a good bit of care and handling. The material wears down within five years or so at which time you’ll need to replace them.
Oh, and dentures can be a bit of a mess to deal with. They need to be properly cleaned on a regular basis. This can be quite annoying for some.
Also, when you wear dentures, there are many restrictions on what you can eat. This too can be a big bummer!
So, before deciding whether to get dentures or not, it’s best to discuss all the factors – good and bad – with your dentist so as to avoid any unpleasant surprises coming your way.
