What You Need to Know About Dentures
Dentures are innovative teeth replacement options for patients with missing teeth. These removable oral appliances are usually made from porcelain and enhance patients’ smiles by filling in their dental gaps. Dentists at Innovative Dental Ideas provide patients with dentures in Hilliard to fix and improve their smile.
Types of dentures
There are various types of dentures, including:
- Traditional and Conventional complete dentures
Complete dentures replace all of a patient’s missing teeth. If you still have some teeth left, your dentist will remove them before the entire denture placement procedure. Full dentures consist of artificial teeth fitted onto a plastic base and inserted after healing the extracted teeth.
- Partial dentures
For patients that do not wish to remove their remaining teeth, partial dentures replace the missing ones. Partial dentures consist of all-acrylic material and consist of a pink-colored base that blends with your gingiva.
- Custom dentures
These types of dentures are usually more expensive because they specifically suit your smile. Custom dentures result in a more natural appearance.
- Implant-supported complete dentures
Dental implants provide extra support to your dentures. Implant-supported dentures are therefore the most secure and usually last longer. Examples of implant-supported dentures are:
- Snap-in dentures
- Overdentures that sit on top of gums
- Immediate dentures
Immediate dentures do not require healing.
- Economy dentures
Economy dentures are cost-effective options for patients who cannot afford custom made dentures. However, these dentures are neither comfortable nor realistic and usually require denture adhesive for extra security.
Getting used to your dentures
In the initial weeks, your dentures may feel awkward and uncomfortable. Patients usually report soreness and extra salivation, which is entirely normal. Your dentures may slip out of place during oral activities like coughing, laughing, talking, and chewing. Oral activities with dentures will require practice until your tongue and cheeks learn to hold the dentures in place. It is essential to wear your dentures often to get used to them. However, do not keep your dentures on round the clock as this may irritate your soft tissues.
Denture adhesives
Dentures fit most of the time securely. However, your dentist may recommend you use certain denture adhesives to provide additional security. You should avoid regularly using denture adhesive. Instead, visit your dentist if you notice that your dentures are loose.
Caring for your mouth and dentures
Clean your dentures every day: After removing your dentures, rinse them with clean water to remove loose food particles. Use a special denture brush and a denture cleanser when cleaning your dentures. A regular toothbrush with soft-bristles is also allowed for denture cleaning. However, do not use toothpaste when cleaning your dentures. Toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can damage your dentures.
Store your dentures in water: Do not leave your dentures to dry as this can distort their shape. Always soak your dentures in a denture solution or clean cold water.
Clean your mouth thoroughly before placing your dentures: Make sure to rinse your gums, tongue, and palate before placing your dentures. It is also essential to massage your gums to stimulate blood circulation.
Denture adjustments and replacements
Although dentures last about 5-10 years, they sometimes require relining, rebasing, or replacements. It is essential to make regular visits to your dentist to monitor the state of your dentures. Loose, cracked, chipped, or broken dentures should be checked and repaired by your dentist.
To learn more about dentures, visit the Innovative Dental Ideas website today.
