Whether you are considering dentures, you know someone who wears them, or you already have them, you are likely to have questions about how they are formed and how they function. This article is a comprehensive look at dentures and how they benefit you, as well as how to care for them and how they can improve your oral health. Smile…. and read on! You are about to get all of your denture questions answered.
What are dentures?
Dentures are a set of artificial teeth and gums that are formed to fit your mouth. They are created by your dentist to replace teeth that have been lost or removed, and they can protect your mouth from further oral degeneration and decay. Dentures can be partials, meaning that there is a small device that fits between existing teeth, or they can be a complete set of upper and lower teeth and gums. They are custom designed to fit your mouth and to match surrounding teeth.
What are dentures made out of?
In years past, dentures were made out of porcelain or plastic, but modern versions of this appliance are formed from hard, durable resin. Although pretty durable, the resin is still considerably weaker than natural enamel, and can break, crack or chip easily. Resin dentures also wear out quite quickly; they need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years with moderate use.
Why do we need to wear dentures?
Dentures not only improve the look and feel of your smile, but they also help to preserve the structure of your mouth strong by providing support for the lips and cheeks. Dentures make it possible to chew and enjoy foods that could not be otherwise consumed. They are a viable solution to costly and painful implant procedures, and they allow for the removal of teeth that are diseased and decayed beyond repair.
Partials
Partial dentures are used in place of other tooth replacement methods when surrounding natural teeth are not strong enough to support a bridge. In the event that one tooth is missing, this is an easy way to restore the strength and cosmetic look of your smile without invasive procedures. Partials are fitted to the section of gumline that they will be sitting on, and they fasten to existing teeth to keep it secure in the mouth. They can easily be removed for cleaning, eating, and sleeping.
Full dentures
Complete denture sets are designed to replace all of your teeth. They may be fitted for top teeth, bottom teeth, or both. They are held in place by suction or with the help of a denture adhesive, yet they are easily removed for cleaning and sleeping as well.
Immediate and over-dentures as alternatives for oral health restoration
In some cases, your mouth may be in transition. You may have a plan for tooth extractions, implants, and other procedures that don’t allow for permanent denture fitting right away. In these situations, you’ll benefit from an immediate denture; a device that can fit over healing gums and other existing teeth. They are easily removed when it is time for a more permanent fitting.
Overdentures are made to fit over existing teeth and are more comfortable for some than complete tooth removal plans and complete dentures. Your dentist will custom design this device to fit your mouth and the tooth structure that you have left to support it.
Cleaning your dentures
Dentures must be cleaned daily, just like regular teeth. Even though they are made from artificial materials, it is still possible for plaque and tartar to build up on dentures if bacteria and food residue are not removed on a regular basis.
To properly clean dentures, take them out of your mouth and rinse under running water to remove food debris. Brush using a mild denture cleanser and a soft-bristled brush on all sides to remove additional buildup. Do not use abrasive electric toothbrushes or regular toothpaste, as these substances will scratch denture surfaces and compromise their strength. After cleaning, rinse them thoroughly.
While your dentures are out, make sure to thoroughly clean your gums and other surfaces in your mouth with a toothbrush and toothpaste to ensure that you are removing excess bacteria from these surfaces as well.
Preserving oral health and dentures
Always remove your dentures before sleeping to preserve denture integrity and to give your gums a chance to rest. Submerge dentures in a glass or container of warm water to prevent them from drying out and give them a rinse each morning before reinserting them.
More questions? Try us!
If you still have questions about dentures, the qualified professionals at Dr. Gordon E. Krueger DDS, MS, PA, and associates can help. Preserving your oral health should be a high priority, and we can answer any questions that you have about the denture process and work to restore your healthiest and best smile. Make an appointment today, visit https://www.gordonekruegerdds.com for more information today.
