Dentures are one type of dental appliance that can be used to replace your missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost your teeth from tooth decay, gum disease, or injury, replacing them can benefit not only your dental health, but your overall health and appearance as well. Dentures can make it easier for you to chew and speak properly.
When you’re missing your teeth, it can cause changes in your facial muscles, causing them to fall and sag. This can make you look far older than you are. In fact, dentures are one way drastically improve your physical appearance without surgery. The replacement teeth are made to look just like your natural teeth, giving you a very natural appearance and smile.
What are the types of dentures?
There are three main types of dentures:
- Conventional dentures are completely removable. They’ll be placed after any remaining teeth have been removed and your gums have healed.
- Immediate dentures are removable and will be placed the day that your remaining teeth have been removed. You’ll have an initial visit, during which your dentist will take measurements in order to create your denture. This way you won’t have to be without teeth while your gums are healing. However, they may need to be adjusted as your gums and bone heal.
- Overdentures are used when some of your teeth can still be saved. These remaining teeth are used to stabilize your denture. Implants are sometimes considered to be part of this category as well.
- Implant Supported Dentures are the best type of dentures because implants placed into the jaw bone are used to stabilize the dentures and keep them from rocking and moving when you eat
What to expect from your dentures
Initially, your dentures will probably feel strange. It will take time for you to become used to how they feel, and for your cheek and tongue muscles to learn how to keep them in place. You may also notice some soreness or irritation at first. You may also salivate more than you usually would. As your body becomes used to the dentures, those issues will gradually fade away until your dentures feel more natural. You will be scheduled for several follow-up appointments so that your dentist can adjust the fit. If you have any persistent soreness, be sure to discuss this with them.
Caring for your dentures
Caring for your dentures is similar to caring for your natural teeth. They still need to be brushed daily in order to remove food debris and to help keep your replacement teeth from becoming stained or discolored. Be sure to follow these tips when caring for your dentures:
- Be sure to rinse your dentures before you brush.
- When brushing, use only a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste or denture cleaner. This prevents your dentures from being scratched.
- Brush your gums, cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue when you brush. This can help lessen your chances of experiencing irritation and bad breath.
- When removing your dentures for the night, place them in water and keep them in a safe place to prevent them from being broken.
