Dentures 101: Types, Facts, and Tips for Dentures

Losing several teeth is very frustrating. It makes you lose confidence in yourself and not to mention how difficult it is to eat without some teeth. It is even worse of you lose all your teeth due to an accident. It makes it almost impossible to communicate.

Luckily, there are always ways to replace lost teeth. One of the most common methods is the use of dentures. Whether you have been using dentures for quite some time or you are considering to start now, you must have some questions about them. This article will help you understand more about them.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are man-made gums and teeth used to replace lost/missing teeth. Dentures can be found in a dentist’s office and can be used to replace a few or all teeth. For partial dentures, they are matched perfectly with your teeth, and no one can know you are using dentures.

Materials Used to Make Dentures

Most dentures are made of porcelain since it is easy to match it with the color of your teeth, and porcelain is quite durable. Other dentures are made of plastic or hard resin.

These materials are prone to chip and breakage, so you should always be very careful with your dentures. The materials also wear off faster than natural teeth, so you may have to replace your dentures after about every five years.

Types of Dentures

Before you choose your dentures, you need to know about the types available in the market. Check out the most common ones.

Partial dentures

These dentures are mostly used if one does not have strong surrounding teeth to hold other teeth replacement methods such as bridges and crowns.

Full Dentures

Complete or partial dentures are used when one has lost all his/her teeth. The dentures are removable, just like partial ones, so cleaning them is not complicated at all.

Overdentures

Overdentures are a type of dentures that can be used if the regular dentures prove to be extremely uncomfortable. These dentures are can only be used if you have several natural teeth left. They are fitted over the roots of your teeth. They are removable as well.

Immediate Dentures

These dentures are used for about six months as you heal from a tooth extraction. They are easy to fit, and they can accommodate changes in your mouth, such as swelling in your gums as you heal. They are disposed of after your teeth are ready for permanent dentures. You might find some dentists referring to these dentures as dental flippers.

Implant-Supported Dentures

These dentures are anchored with dental implants, and they look just like your natural teeth. They usually contain an implant (titanium screw) and a custom crown. They are mostly used for teeth missing on the lower jaw since it is easier to fit them securely on the lower jaw than on the upper jaw. That doesn’t mean it cannot be done on the upper jaw, though. You just need to find an experienced dentist.

Fast Facts about Dentures

Lack of denture cleanliness can lead to dental problems as well as problems with your overall health. Dentures can last up to seven years if you take proper care of them.

You still need to visit your dentist regularly even if you don’t have a single tooth, and you are only using dentures. You should clean your dentures daily, just like you do with your natural teeth. You can use toothbrush and toothpaste, or non-abrasive denture cleanser. Dentures are made to fit your mouth perfectly.

Tips for Dentures

You should use denture adhesive to reduce food accumulation and improve retention of your dentures. Adhesive can also improve your comfort with them which can lead to peace of mind

Soak your dentures in denture-cleansing solutions every day. This helps break down plaque and disinfect your dentures. You should only use a denture-cleaning solution outside your mouth.

Be careful with dentures, and be sure not to drop them while cleaning because they can break if dropped.

Remove your dentures as you sleep to prevent infections and reduce soreness. Only sleep with them if your dentist asks you to.

Conclusion

If you are still not sure whether to go for dentures or not, you can book a session at Dental Arts Seminole. We provide professional dental services to patients from Seminole, FL, and the surrounding areas. Book an appointment or call us to get full information about dentures and other dental services.