Back to blog

Dentures: Everything you need to know

General Dentistry

Posted on

Dentures

For people who have lost their natural teeth, dentures are a common and effective option. They can significantly work on the personal satisfaction for people who are missing teeth, permitting them to eat, talk, and smile with certainty. We will go over everything you need to know about denture treatment in this comprehensive guide. From the various kinds of dentures available to the most common problems with dentures, this guide will furnish you with all the data you want to pursue the most ideal choices for your dental wellbeing. Read on to learn everything you need to know about denture treatment, whether you are considering dentures for the first time or want to improve your current situation.

To find out more about our Denture treatments, click here

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace teeth that have fallen out. They are made to fit each person’s mouth and can be used to replace all or just a few missing teeth. Acrylic resin, porcelain, and metal are some of the materials used to make dentures, which can be designed to feel and look like real teeth.

Dentures come in two varieties: partial dentures and complete dentures. Complete dentures are used to replace a full set of teeth, while partial false teeth are used to supplant at least one missing tooth and can be connected to the leftover normal teeth utilising metal fastens or accuracy connections.

Dentures can improve the quality of life of those who wear them and are a cost-effective method of restoring the function and appearance of missing teeth. They can help support the facial muscles, which can prevent the face from sagging and making it look older, as well as improve speech and chewing abilities. With legitimate consideration and support, false teeth can keep going for a long time and give an agreeable and normal looking smile.

When do you need dentures?

For individuals who have lost their normal teeth because of injury, rot, or maturing, dentures are a typical dental treatment. You should go to the dental specialist consistently to watch out for your teeth and gums and find any potential issues that could require dental replacement treatment.

A couple of typical clarifications behind requiring dental replacement treatment are tooth decay, gum contamination, or injury that has incited tooth loss. People who have lost all or most of their teeth can often get dentures, and tooth loss can also happen as we get older. Additionally, certain medical conditions or treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may necessitate denture treatment for tooth loss.

Dentures are not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be used in accordance with each person’s specific dental requirements. Your oral wellbeing will be assessed by your dental specialist, who will then suggest the best dental replacement treatment plan for you. To ensure that your dentures fit comfortably, it is essential to collaborate closely with your dentist, whether you need partial or full dentures.

Types of dentures: Complete and Partial

Prosthetic appliances called dentures are used to replace missing teeth. They are designed to look and feel like natural teeth and can be taken out. Dentures come in two main varieties: partial and complete.

When all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing, complete dentures are used. They are held in place by suction or adhesive and are made to fit snugly over the gums. Acrylic or porcelain are two options for complete dentures, which are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth.

In contrast, partial dentures are used when only a few teeth are missing. Metal clasps hold them in place and are made to fit around the remaining teeth. Partial dentures can be made of acrylic or a blend of acrylic and metal.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of denture. While partial dentures can be more difficult to adjust to, complete dentures are easier to clean and maintain. On the other hand, partial dentures can be more challenging to clean and maintain, but they are more comfortable to wear and generally easier to adjust to.

Preparing for denture treatment: What to expect

It can be overwhelming to prepare for denture treatment, but knowing what to expect can help ease your concerns. The initial step is to plan a discussion with a dental specialist who spends significant time in dental replacement treatment. The dentist will examine your mouth at this first appointment to see if dentures are the best option for you. They’ll also talk to you about your options, like whether you should get full or partial dentures.

The dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom-fit mould of your teeth and gums once you have decided to pursue denture treatment. Your dentures, which will be made to perfectly fit your mouth, will be made using this mould.

Any remaining teeth may need to be extracted before your dentures are ready. To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, this can be done with local anaesthesia. The dentist will give you instructions on how to take care of your mouth while it heals after the extraction.

The dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit once your dentures are ready. It might require an investment to become acclimated to wearing false teeth, yet with training and persistence, you’ll before long have the option to eat, talk, and smile with certainty.

In rundown, planning for dental replacement therapy includes booking a discussion with a dental specialist, taking impressions of your mouth, possibly having teeth removed, and becoming acclimated to wearing your new false teeth. Your dentures can provide you with a functional and attractive smile for many years if you take care of them properly.

Common denture problems and how to fix them

Dentures, like any dental procedure, can come with their own set of issues, but they are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth.

Here are some normal denture issues and how to fix them.

  1. Areas of pain: It’s normal for new false teeth to cause sensitive areas on the gums. Pressure points or loose dentures typically cause this. The dentures can be easily adjusted by your dentist to resolve this issue.
  2. Trouble speaking: Talking with false teeth can take some becoming acclimated to. On the off chance that you are experiencing issues talking, take a stab at perusing out loud or talking gradually and obviously. Your speech will get better as you practise it.
  3. Problems eating: Additionally, it may take some practice to eat with dentures. Begin with delicate food varieties and cut them into little pieces. Use both sides of your mouth and chew slowly. You can gradually introduce harder foods into your diet as you become more at ease with your dentures.
  4. Missing teeth: Over the long haul, false teeth can turn out to be free and get awkward. This is as a rule because of changes in the gums or bone design. Dentures can be adjusted or other options like dental implants can be suggested by your dentist.
  5. Bad breath: False teeth can hold onto microscopic organisms and food particles, prompting terrible breath. Make a point to clean your false teeth completely consistently and practise great oral cleanliness to forestall this issue.

Always remember to contact your dentist immediately if you encounter any issues with your dentures. They can assist you with tracking down an answer that works for yourself and guarantee that your false teeth are working appropriately.

How to maintain good oral health with dentures

To maintain good oral health, dentures need a little bit more attention.

The following are some suggestions to help you keep your dentures and your mouth healthy:

  1. Every day, brush your dentures with a gentle denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste and hard-bristled brushes can scratch the surface of your dentures, increasing their susceptibility to bacteria buildup.
  2. To dispose of any microbes or stains that might have shaped over the course of the day, soak your dentures overnight in a cleaning solution. Rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth.
  3. Make sure your mouth is thoroughly clean before putting your dentures back in. Clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth of any plaque or bacteria with a brush with soft bristles.
  4. You should floss your natural remaining teeth on a regular basis if you have partial dentures to remove any food particles or bacteria that may have accumulated between them.
  5. Dentures can become twisted or lose their shape assuming they are cleaned with boiling water. Instead, use lukewarm or normal water
  6. In order to ensure that your dentures fit properly and that your mouth is in good health, it is essential to have regular dental checkups. Your dentist can also look for any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues that might affect how your dentures fit.

If you follow these instructions, you can make sure that your dentures last a long time and keep your mouth healthy.

If you want to know more about how to maintain good oral hygiene, click here

Alternatives to dentures

While dentures have been the most common treatment for missing teeth for a long time, there are now a number of alternatives for patients who prefer not to wear them.

Some of the most well-liked alternatives to dentures are as follows:

  1. Dental Implants: Patients seeking a long-term, permanent solution to missing teeth will benefit greatly from using implants. A titanium post that acts as an artificial root for a prosthetic tooth is inserted into the jawbone as part of these procedures.
  2. Bridges: A dental extension is a prosthetic gadget that is utilised to supplant at least one missing tooth. It is held in place by crowns and is attached to the remaining teeth on either side of the gap.
  3. Partial Dentures: A removable alternative to conventional dentures, partial dentures are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Metal clasps that attach to the remaining teeth keep them in place.
  4. All-on-4 Dental Inserts: Patients who are missing all of their teeth can benefit greatly from all-on-4 dental implants. They include the situation of four dental inserts in the jawbone, which are utilised to help a full curve of prosthetic teeth.

Frequently asked questions

On the off chance that you’re thinking about dental replacement treatment, you might have a few inquiries concerning the interaction.

The following are some of the most frequently asked concerns:

1. How long do dentures take to get?

The time allotment it takes to get dentures can fluctuate depending upon the sort of dental replacement and your singular requirements. The procedure can generally be completed in a few weeks to several months.

2. How should I treat my dentures?

It means a lot to clean your false teeth everyday to eliminate plaque and microorganisms. Toothpaste, abrasive cleaners, and hot water should also not be used on your dentures. When it comes to taking care of your particular type of denture, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions.

3. Will my dentures cause me any discomfort?

When you first start wearing dentures, you may experience some discomfort. However, your dentist will collaborate with you to ensure that they are as comfortable as possible and to adjust the fit.

4. With dentures, can I eat and drink normally?

With dentures, you can eat and drink normally. Nonetheless, you might have to make a few adjustments to your eating routine and biting examples to accommodate for the dentures.

5. How frequently will I require new dentures?

The kind of dentures you wear and how well you take care of them can affect how long they last. Dentures should typically be changed every 5-7 years.

We really want to believe that you have found the complete guide for dental replacement care useful and supportive. Whether you’re thinking about getting dentures or already wearing them, it’s important to know how to take care of them and what to expect during treatment. We hope that our guides will be able to assist you in maintaining good oral health and answer any questions you may have. If you have any questions or concerns about your dentures, you should always talk to your dentist. I appreciate your reading. We sincerely hope that your dental health improves.

To keep up to date with all of our blogs and videos, follow us on FacebookInstagram and YouTube.

Contact us today to find out more about diabetes and gum disease by contacting one of our practices in Esher, Surrey or Wandsworth, South West London.