Dentures

When teeth are lost, people often feel a significant loss of confidence. But, there is hope! Dentures can be a great solution for restoring your smile and regaining confidence in your appearance.

It’s not just about looks – gaps between your teeth can have serious knock-on effects. When multiple teeth are missing, the increased pressure on remaining teeth causes them to shift and lean into the gaps. This changes the way your upper and lower teeth come together and can interfere with your bite. Over time, food debris can get stuck in these gaps, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

To avoid these problems and reclaim your confidence, consider dentures as a practical and long-term solution.

Acrylic resin is the preferred material for modern denture teeth, providing durability and ease of adjustment. Although, the use of porcelain teeth for dentures still exists in the dental industry. Whilst acrylic teeth see to be more popular due to the ease of adjustment, porcelain teeth feel more natural and lend to a more natural look, thanks to its translucent appearance.

A fully comprehensive denture substitutes the entirety of the natural teeth located in either the upper or lower jaws. Enhancing your oral health and improving your quality of life, complete dentures offer a lasting and natural solution.

When you have a gap of more than one tooth on one side of your mouth, a partial denture might be the solution. Nonetheless, there are alternative options such as bridges, which your dentist can inform you of based on your unique dental characteristics. Seek their advice to explore your options.

The advantages of replacing missing teeth are numerous; not only does it promote better health, but it can greatly enhance your appearance as well. Dentures, whether full or partial, provide valuable support for your cheeks and lips, and without them, a person’s facial muscles may sag, making them look and feel older. Furthermore, missing teeth could make it hard to eat or speak properly, which is why it is crucial to consider dental replacements.

With conventional dentures, tooth removal and tissue healing take several months before the appliance can be created and fitted. Immediate Dentures, on the other hand, go straight in after removal, using the patient’s mouth measurements and impressions taken by the dentist.

The advantage? No need to go without teeth in the waiting period! However, as healing progresses over the first six months after teeth have been extracted, bone and gums tend to shrink, affecting the fit of Immediate dentures. With shrinking gums, these dentures may require relining or even be replaced to ensure proper and comfortable fit.

It’s common for new dentures to feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable at first, but don’t worry – this won’t last forever! During the initial few weeks, you might notice some irritation or soreness, as well as an increase in saliva flow. Your cheek and tongue muscles may take time to adjust to the new dentures, causing them to feel loose.

However, these issues will start to fade as you get used to your dentures. If you continue to experience problems, such as persistent soreness or irritation, it’s crucial to consult your dentist immediately.

To give your mouth a chance to rest, dentists advise removing your dentures at night. When you take them out, it’s crucial to place them in water to avoid any warping or cracking.

Implants can be utilized to fix dentures securely, offering a more stable and comfortable solution for the patients.

For a sparkling fresh denture, remember the three-step rule: brush, soak, brush. To start, get a bowl of water or a folded towel handy, just in case you drop your dentures. Brush them first, to rid of any food debris. Then comes the soak, and an effervescent cleaner can be an excellent option to remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher. Give your dentures the final brush, with extra care and attention to avoid surface grooves, which can cause discomfort. Ensure cleaning every nook and cranny of the denture, especially the one that touches the gums. Keep that smile looking great!

Dentures can cause issues over time due to normal wear or changes in mouth structure. The bone and gum ridges recede or shrink, causing alignment issues. This can result in loose dentures that lead to discomfort, as well as sores and infections. Not to mention, speaking and eating can become more difficult. To avoid these complications, replace poorly fitting dentures promptly.

To reduce the likelihood of discolouration on your dentures, following your dentist’s advice on proper cleaning and maintenance is paramount. Environmental factors like smoking or coffee consumption may also contribute, so it’s best to avoid home remedies such as abrasive cleaning materials, hot water, or whitening toothpaste. Doing so could cause irreparable damage, ultimately requiring new dentures. Instead, book an appointment with your dentist to discuss a safer course of action. Keep your smile shining bright!