While you’d undoubtedly prefer to keep his mouth full of his original teeth for the duration of his life, there may come a time when you need either full or partial dentures are needed. While dentures used to be a major inconvenience, developments have been made over the years that now make them a comfortable, practical solution for those whose teeth are not strong or healthy enough to remain in their mouth. Not only are they more comfortable than they used to be, they have a more natural appearance now than ever before. Few people have dentures that are easy to spot as “fake teeth.”
First of all, it is important to understand how and why dentures are used. According to Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari of Premier Dental Care, “Dentures or partial dentures are removable prosthetics that replace missing teeth. When a patient has no salvageable teeth in an arch, a denture would be an option to restore their occlusion and give the patient a prosthetic. When a patient has a few missing teeth in an arch, and implants or bridges are not an option, we include a partial denture in the treatment plan.” This means that, for the most part, dentures are viewed as a last resort.
It may surprise some people to know that dentures are actually more popular now than they used to be. While dentistry has advanced and made it possible to salvage a person’s natural teeth, so too have dentures advanced. Part of the reason they are more common today is because of the development of partial dentures. It used to be that in order to replace teeth with dentures, all of a person’s natural teeth would need to be pulled. Following that, the mouth would fitted for the prosthetic, and then the false teeth would be molded, often taking a long time to complete.
Modern dentures are now often completed and fitted in one day. They are also more comfortable, even in the case where someone needs an entire set of replacement teeth. They fit better and perform more like natural teeth. If properly molded and inserted, you can continue to do most of the things you did with your natural teeth. While most people would prefer to keep their natural teeth, if you are experiencing a lot of pain and require expensive dental work, it may be better for you to replace your teeth with dentures.
Caring for Your Dentures
Taking care of your false teeth is just as important as caring for a natural set of teeth. Dentures must be cleaned everyday. Much like you would brush your teeth, you must brush and soak your dentures, ensuring no food particles are stuck in them. Food can cause bacteria to grow, and while it may not cause tooth decay, it can smell and create an infection in your gums. When cleaning and brushing your dentures, use a soft toothbrush and handle them with care. They can crack or break and dentures can be expensive to repair or replace. Also remember that caring for your oral health aside from your dentures is just as important as it has always been. Continue to brush your tongue, floss and brush any remaining teeth if you have partial dentures, and continue to schedule your biannual dental visits.
Speak with your dentist about properly storing your dentures. Determine when you need to be wearing them and how frequently you should take them out. It may take awhile to get used to them, but the more you wear them, the more comfortable they will become. If you are just adjusting to them, you may find it difficult to speak, chew, or drink with them. Some dentists recommend just drinking and then moving on to chewing soft foods. You will eventually be onfident enough to eat a normal diet, but it may take a bit of practice before you can do so without being self-conscious.
You may be disappointed to learn that you will need a partial or full set of dentures. But in the long run, it may save you money and time if you have problematic teeth. If your dentist suggests dentures, relax, learn your options, and be patient with yourself as you adjust to your new set of false teeth.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
