Dentures are dental prosthetics that replace multiple missing teeth. They come in three types: complete, partial, and implant-supported. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw with false teeth, while partials only replace missing teeth, leaving remaining natural teeth in place. With advancement of dentistry, implant supported dentures or snap-on dentures are available for additional stability by snapping the dentures on the implants that are firmly supported by the jaw bone.
How Do Dentists Make Dentures?
Dentists make dentures over several weeks. The process begins with an evaluation of your mouth and to determine the type of dentures that would be most suitable for you. In some cases, they may remove compromised teeth or recommend that you wait for gum disease issues to subside before a fitting. Necessary implants will be placed if making an implant denture.
The next step is to take a series of impressions of your jaw to see how both top and bottom relate to each other. This part of the process gives the dentist data on the amount of space between them.
After that, the dentist creates stone models and plastic patterns in the shape of the final dentures. Patients wear these temporarily in the clinic to see whether the shape, color and fit are right for their mouth. If they are correct, then they cast the final denture.
Why Get Dentures?
Dentures can look great, but they are more than an aesthetic upgrade. They also improve oral health and facial structure. Without dentures, the tissues around the face begin to sag, giving the complexion a sullen look. Lack of teeth can lead to a loss of bone and muscle mass in surrounding tissues, making you look older.
However, once dentists fit dentures, the prosthetic begins transmitting forces to the jawbone again. Muscle and bone mass increase, improving the appearance of the face.
How Do Dentures Feel In The Mouth?
New dentures can feel a little odd for a few weeks. It takes time for the muscles in the mouth and cheeks to learn how to hold them in place. It may also take time to get comfortable wearing them.
When you first receive dentures, it is not uncommon to feel a little soreness or irritation. You may also notice a temporary increase in saliva production. However, these issues tend to subside over time as your body becomes more acclimatized to wearing them.
Do Dentures Change How You Look?
If you have many missing teeth, or no teeth at all, dentures will change your appearance dramatically. Because dentists design them to look like natural teeth, it will seem to other people like you have your smile back. Dentures may also cause your facial appearance to fill out, reducing sagging and giving it a more youthful structure.
What Can You Eat When You Wear Dentures?
Complete and partial dentures still don’t offer the same strength as your regular teeth. Therefore, you may need to limit your intake of hard foods. This is when implant dentures are recommended for additional stability and improved ability to chew.
What Is Eating With New Dentures Like?
Eating with new dentures often requires an adjustment period, particularly if you have lived without teeth for a long time. When starting out, cut food into small pieces and chew slowly on both sides. Eventually, your gums will get used to the chewing pressure from the dentures.
