When you think of Dentures you may conjure images that belong in the past – teeth in glasses of water beside a toothless sleeper’s bed. The fact is, however, that Dentures are an effective way to restore your natural smile and teeth function. They can also provide a number of important benefits to your comfort, health and quality of life.
Dentures are removable artificial teeth that replace missing or decayed natural teeth. Whether complete or partial, they can fill out your smile, improve the quality of your speech and eat and give you confidence in social situations.
The best way to determine if dentures are the right option for you is to visit your dentist for an initial consultation. Your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth and gums and help you decide the best solution for your specific needs. You might be better suited to other types of treatment, such as bridges or implants which are more permanent solutions.
After you and your dentist agree that dentures are the right option, a series of impressions will be taken from the upper and lower ridges of your jaws two weeks apart. These are called a “try-in” and will allow your dentist to make changes to the shape and size of the final denture for a better fit, appearance and feel.
During this process, it’s normal to experience some discomfort while your new dentures settle in. This is especially true if you’ve been without teeth for some time and the muscles of your cheeks and tongue adjust to the new denture shape and position. Some people also experience a temporary feeling that their dentures are loose or bulky as the tissues heal. Some sensitivity to hot and cold foods is common as well.
You’ll need to brush your dentures daily using a special toothpaste. Dentures can also require regular professional cleaning, but it’s important to discuss this with your dentist so they can advise you on the best methods and products for caring for your denture.
If you follow proper hygiene, your dentures will last for years, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for lost or damaged teeth. The best way to care for your dentures is to brush them regularly, and visit your dentist for regular checkups.
If you’re considering dentures, it’s important to research the different options available and choose a prosthetist who uses the latest technology and skilled professionals. It’s generally worth investing a little extra money for a longer-lasting, more comfortable and natural-looking treatment that will last many years.