You must have heard of dentures—like magic teeth that replace natural ones. Dentures can literally change a person’s life: they grant the ability to eat with a good appetite, speak without complexes, and smile with confidence again. Now, let us enter the world of dentures near you and find out everything you should know about them.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic teeth that can be taken out of the mouth. They are custom-made to resemble and feel like natural teeth. There are two major types of dentures: full and partial. Full dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth, while partial dentures replace a few missing teeth. They are specifically made to attach to the remaining natural teeth in your mouth.
Why Do People Wear Dentures?
People lose teeth for a variety of reasons. The most common ones are:
- Tooth Decay: Cavities are caused by insufficient cleaning habits, which can render a tooth beyond repair.
- Gum Disease: It is an infection of the gums and can cause damage to teeth and bones supporting the teeth.
- Injury: There are times when accidents can cause the teeth to be knocked out or irreparably damaged.
- Age: Teeth wear out with age and are to be replaced.
How Are Dentures Made?
The dentures are developed through a multi-step process as follows:
- Dental Impressions: Your dentist will take a mould of the inside of your gums and any existing teeth. This will allow for the fashioning of a properly fitting denture.
- Model Creation: This impression would be turned into a model of your mouth. In this model, a denture would be designed.
- Fitting: The dentist fits the model in your mouth to make sure it feels comfortable and looks natural.
- Adjustments: The dentures are adjusted if necessary so that they will fit perfectly.
- Final Dentures: The final dentures are now ready for you to wear.
How To Take Care Of Dentures
This way, you can keep your dentures clean and in good condition. These are some of the tips to follow:
- Daily cleaning: Like natural teeth, dentures need daily cleaning for food particles and plaque removal.
- Handle with care: Dentures are fragile and will break or crack if dropped.
- Soak overnight: Most of the dentures need to remain moist to maintain their shape. Soak them in water or a specially designed cleaning solution overnight.
- Regular Dental Visits: Even if one has dentures, a regular visit to the dentist is essential for one’s mouth health.
Benefits Of Dentures
A person in need derives several benefits from dentures:
- Appearance Enhancement: Dentures fill in gaps left by missing teeth and give a completely beautiful smile.
- Improved Eating: Dentures help grind food with ease, which is needed for digestion and nutrition.
- More Clearly Spoken: Gaps in teeth can make it hard to pronounce certain words. Dentures are like speech therapy; they will help you articulate your speech.
- Boost in Confidence: A complete set of teeth will enhance your self-esteem and make you confident in social situations.
Getting Used To Dentures
It can take time to get used to wearing dentures. Here are some tips to help you adjust easily:
- Start with Soft Foods: In the beginning, once you’re getting adjusted to chewing with dentures, start off with soft foods.
- Practice Speaking: Read aloud regularly or talk to friends/family to get used to talking with dentures.
- Be Patient: The first feelings may just be a little awkward, but they work out fine with time.
Problems and Troubleshooting
Some people do have problems with their dentures. Following are some common difficulties and how to fix them:
- Soreness: If your dentures cause sore spots, see your dentist. Your dentist can reline your dentures so that they will fit more comfortably.
- Slipping: Sometimes dentures slip out of place. Denture adhesive can hold them in their proper place.
- Trouble Chewing: If you are having difficulty chewing, cut your food into small pieces or chew softer foods.
The Urban Dentist Offers Custom-made Dentures
Dentures are quite helpful for any person with missing teeth. People are helped through dentures to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. If you or a member of your family needs dentures, discuss your different options with our dentist in Richmond at The Urban Dentist.
