Losing teeth can greatly change a person’s appearance and this can cause their self-esteem to drop. Aside from the obvious physical effects of teeth loss, this can also change the way someone speaks and eat. If not treated properly, this can result to all sorts of dental issues. Chewing will be harder if there are teeth missing and this can affect the muscles on the jaw, causing face muscles to sag.
Some of the most common reasons why people lose teeth include accidents, gum disease and tooth decay. Thanks to technological advances, there are now many ways to restore teeth. Options like implants, crowns, veneers and dentures are now easily available for patients who seek dental restoration.
Out of all the options today, dentures are still the most widely used method to restore lost teeth. If you’ve been thinking of getting fitted, here’s what you need to know:
Dentures 101
Dentures are one of the best and cheapest ways to replace missing teeth. These are custom-made and designed to look and feel like natural teeth. The first thing your dentist will do will be to take a mold of your teeth. The dentures will be handcrafted according to your specific measurements.
There are three main kinds of dentures:
Full dentures – Typically fitted for patients who have lost a good number of their teeth. Full dentures are used to replace the complete set of teeth, which can be the upper or bottom set, or both. After the dentist takes a mold of your teeth, it usually takes a couple of months to craft your custom dentures. This crafting process can take months to finish because of all the details that need to be done.
Partial dentures – Those who do not need to replace their whole set of teeth can opt for partial dentures, which can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. The attachment options for partial dentures differ, from metal clasps to acrylic-type bases.
Implant-supported dentures – Implant-supported dentures are similar to standard dentures, except they are supported by implants that are attached on the jawbone. This kind of structure provides a more secure attachment but they are more expensive and will also take more time to do. Implant-supported dentures can be done for both full and partial sets.
Taking Care of Dentures
Dentures require some maintenance, just like your natural teeth. If you do not want your hard-earned money wasted, it is important to take care of them. Well-maintained dentures should last a long time. Here are the steps you can take to keep dentures clean and durable:
- Rinse and wash dentures daily with water or special cleaner for dentures.
- Make sure to brush carefully to prevent damaging the resin base.
- Practice good hygiene and clean your mouth thoroughly, especially after each meal.
- Aside from brushing teeth, make it a habit to floss after every meal. Use special flossers for hard-to-reach spaces on your dentures or bridges.
- Place dentures in a secure place, away from direct heat and with soaking solution.
