Dentures
Restoring missing teeth with dentures is crucial for preserving facial aesthetics. The absence of teeth as a support structure can result in sagging cheeks and jaw, contributing to an aged appearance.
Whether opting for full or partial dentures, you can reclaim your smile and regain the ability to chew and bite. This allows you to enjoy a wider variety of foods that may have been avoided due to tooth loss.
Although dentures effectively restore the appearance of your smile and facial structure, functionally, they serve as prosthetic replacements. Similar to a prosthetic limb, dentures may offer limited functionality compared to natural teeth. The stability of dentures differs from person to person, influencing the range of foods that denture wearers can comfortably eat. Your dentist can provide guidance on dietary adjustments, such as cutting meats into smaller pieces for easier chewing. Speaking with dentures may require an adjustment period, particularly when articulating certain sounds like “s” or “th”. However, with practice, any speech difficulties typically diminish over time.
What is Dentures?
Dentures are artificial teeth designed for individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. Available in full sets or partial configurations, dentures are tailored to replace missing teeth or fill gaps between existing teeth.
Upper dentures typically encompass the ridge of bone and the palate, mimicking the natural structure of the upper jaw. Suction between the palate and the denture aids in holding upper dentures in place. Conversely, lower dentures lack the palate for additional support, resulting in slightly less stability. Adjusting to lower dentures may require some time to become accustomed to their fit.
Full Dentures
Full dentures stick to your gums using suction between the denture and the roof of your mouth (palate). But, because the lower jaw doesn’t have a palate, dentures there may feel less stable at first.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures stay in your mouth by attaching to your existing teeth. In partials with metal bases, the clasps are metal too, making them known as cast partials. They’re thin and strong, but the metal clasps might show when you smile. In partials with all-plastic bases, called flexible partials, the clasps are plastic, making them less visible when you smile.
Procedure Overview
The process of obtaining dentures is straightforward but may involve several appointments.
Initially, your dentist will take a mould or scan of your gums and any remaining teeth. This mould is used to create a precise model of your mouth, ensuring that the denture fits snugly over every ridge and contour of your jawbone and gums.
During a follow-up appointment, you’ll try on the dentures to ensure they fit comfortably and securely. If the fit is satisfactory, you’ll be able to take your new dentures home. However, if adjustments are needed, your dentist will make necessary modifications until the fit is just right.