Dentures And Life Quality
The joys and functions of healthy teeth are often taken for granted…until you suffer the loss of those teeth. Whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injuries, loss of teeth can effect your health and apperance. That’s where dentures make a difference in a person’s life. Kopp Dental can greatly improve your appearance through cosmetic dentistry procedures.
At their most basic, dentures are artificial devices that replace a person’s missing teeth, helping to restore a person’s smile and ability to eat safely and normally once again. But not just that. Replacement teeth like dentures also make it easier to speak clearly and can return your self-confidence in social situations.
When a loss of all teeth is suffered facial muscles begin to sag, causing you to appear older than you are. Dentures help to restore the lost structure once supported by your teeth, returning your facial features to a more natural appearance. Dentures can also be designed to look very much like your original, natural teeth and, in this way, prevent your appearance from changing very much at all. Often, people may not even notice you’ve had your natural teeth replaced by dentures. Or, if you prefer a look different from your original teeth, dentures can make that happen, too, improving the look of your original smile.
The Basic Types Of Dentures
There are several basic types of dentures. Conventional Dentures are fully removable and designed to be placed in the mouth once any remaining teeth have been removed. The healing period for the gum tissues can take several months, but afterward, the full set rests atop the gum and are affixed in placed by the patient’s choice of adhesive material.
During the healing period, Immediate Dentures are an option. These replacement teeth are removable, too, but placed in the mouth on the same day that the patient’s natural teeth are taken out. During the first office visit, the dental professional takes measurements and designs a model of the patient’s jaws. Immediate Dentures eliminate having to go without teeth while the oral tissues are healing. However, realignments or remakes of the dentures may be necessary, as the healing process progresses.
When it’s possible to save some of the natural teeth this is always preferable, as keeping natural teeth can help to preserve bone. Doing so also provides a supporting scaffold for dentures. In these cases, Overdentures are fitted over a select amount of natural teeth that remain in place once they’re made ready by your dental specialist.
Implants serve the identical function as Overdentures but, in these cases, Implants are tiny, metal posts that replace the natural tooth and tooth root in the mouth.
Don’t be distressed if your new dentures feel awkward at first. It can take up to a few weeks to become accustomed. At first, the dentures might feel a little wobbly, but this will pass once your cheek muscles and tongue adjust and retrain in keeping them in place. It’s also normal to feel slight irritation or tenderness during this adjustment period, and saliva may also increase for a time. However, as your mouth adjusts to its new teeth, these experiences should gradually stop. Keeping your follow-up appointments will go a long way in assuring a satisfying adjustment to your new dentures. This way, you can address any issues or ask questions about the adjustment period and what to expect once your mouth has become accustomed to the new teeth. And, of course, if irritation or soreness persists, don’t hesitate to call your dentist.
Just because you now wear dentures that doesn’t mean sound dental hygiene shouldn’t be practiced. With a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently massage your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth daily prior to placing your dentures. This will encourage blood circulation in the tissues and also aid in removing plaque, which continues to build up whether you have natural teeth or replacement teeth. It also helps to reduce any irritation or rubbing from the dentures and keeps bad breath at bay.
Likewise, dentures should receive a daily brushing. Doing so removes unsightly food particulates as well as plaque and will preserve their clean, white appearance. Just before you brush them, remove your dentures and give them a good rinse to more easily dislodge food particles.
An abrasive-free cleanser is also recommended. And always use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Doing both will keep prevent scratches from forming on your dentures, prolonging their life and maintaining their natural appearance. Placing them in a secure container filled with water is essential when you’re not wearing them, in order to prevent warping.
Usually, denture wearers use an adhesive to help keep dentures in place. They come in a variety of versions: cream, powder, pad or wafer, strip or liquid. Which is best will depend on your own preference. When using an adhesive, be sure to read all instructions thoroughly, using them precisely as directed. Your dental professional will have recommendations regarding proper cleansers and adhesives, and be sure to select a product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. These have been assessed for safety and effectiveness.
Maintain regularly scheduled check-ups with your dentist, but if questions about your dentures come up or they no longer fit well or get damaged between check-ups, contact him or her immediately. Your dental professional wants your dentures and your health to be the best it can be.
The professionals and staff of Kopp Dental are happy to help you learn if dentures are right for you and which style would be your best choice.
Kopp Dental & Associates