What Dentures Are and What You Should Know Before Using Them

Tooth loss is a common occurrence, and countless Americans can attest to this fact.

Periodontitis, tooth decay, and accidents are the leading causes of tooth loss. Many adults above 30 have lost at least one tooth.

However devastating it is to lose a tooth, you can quickly restore your smile with the excellent options that our dentist in Westwood, MA, offers. Dentures are an excellent teeth replacement solution that has been used for decades. Countless smiles have been transformed using dentures, even before dental implants came into the picture.

Understanding Dentures

Dentures are made of a set of fake teeth that are attached to a gum-colored base. Typically, dentures are customized so that they can fit in your mouth. Since they are customized, they fit snugly in your mouth, and just like that, they solve the issues that arise from tooth loss. For your convenience, dentures can be removed and worn again. Therefore, making it much easier to clean them. Dentures have come from far and have been revamped to look more realistic.

What Are They Made of?

For a long time, artificial teeth were made from porcelain and plastic. Nowadays, hard resin has been the go-to material for dentures. The only downside of using either porcelain, plastic, or hard resin is that all of them are not as sturdy as your teeth. Therefore, you need to brace yourself that you will have to replace them sometime in the future.

The gum-colored material that holds the artificial teeth in place is also made from resin. However, there are scenarios where artificial gum is made from a flexible polymer. This polymer makes the denture fit snugly over your gums.

The Importance of Wearing Dentures

Having missing teeth can alter your life negatively. However, dentures improve the aesthetics of your smile. At the same time, you can expect your mouth’s structure to be intact since the dentures support the lips and cheeks. Therefore, you will not have a pruned jaw, as is characteristic of people who have missing teeth.

Dentures are also a fantastic option when you have damaged or decayed teeth since the weak teeth will be replaced with beautiful and sturdy teeth. Lastly, you can get to enjoy your favorite meals.

Types of Dentures Available

You can choose any of the following types of dentures:

Full Dentures

If all your teeth are missing or you intend to replace all of your teeth, then full dentures are the best option. Complete dentures are what the senior citizens typically wear. Complete or full dentures are further divided into two:

• Conventional/Traditional Dentures

For you to get traditional dentures, our dentist in Westwood, MA, creates them after all your teeth have been pulled. Then, you have to wait for some time for your gums to heal before you get your new set of teeth.

• Immediate Dentures

When your teeth have been extracted, our dentist can fit you with these dentures. You don’t have to wait for your gums to heal before you get these dentures. They are typically prepared during your initial visit. These dentures also act as a bandage and can reduce bleeding and help protect your gums.

Partial Dentures

When you have lost only a few teeth, partial dentures are an excellent teeth replacement option. They also help the remaining teeth from shifting or moving into the gap.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Full and partial dentures need an adhesive so that they can fit on your gums. On the other hand, implant-supported dentures are attached to an implant that is placed in your jawbone. They are very stable and are permanent.

This makes them mimic the look and function of your natural teeth. They don’t shift in the mouth, meaning that your speech and eating will be restored.

After Care

For dentures to serve you as they should, you need to do the following:

• Always keep them moist. If they are removable dentures, place them in plain water or denture cleanser solution after removing them. Never use hot water since the heat can damage them.
• Brush them after meals to remove food debris and stains.
• Remember to brush your palate, gums, and teeth before wearing them.
• Seek immediate dental help when your dentures are chipped or cracked.

Having missing teeth should not deter you from enjoying your life. Contact our dentist in Westwood, MA, at Westwood Dental Group, formerly the Office of Donald J. McLellan, DDS, if you need dentures or any other restorative dentistry service available.