A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.The need for tooth replacement can arise for a variety of reasons. Some people lose teeth due to a traumatic injury or an illness such as diabetes. Others may develop problems with their teeth to the point where a dentist may recommend extraction. Whatever the cause, dentures may serve as a beneficial tooth replacement due to:

• Help in chewing and eat a regular diet
• Increase confidence in your appearance
• Improve speech
• Good Oral health

Importance of Replacing Teeth

The need for replacement is must because the spaces between the lost teeth can promote bacterial growth, and can lead to cavities in the remaining teeth, gum disease, and various other infections. The adjacent teeth can also get affected because of lack of structural support on the side of the gap. Moreover, the smile appearance and facial tonicity of muscles also get compromised with time.

According to an article on dental health and headaches by the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, the muscle strain from a missing tooth can cause headaches

Hence, we can use dentures or partial dentures to replace the missing teeth to resolve and prevent the sequel of dental conditions mentioned above.

Are Dentures Right for You

Living without teeth can be difficult, both physically and emotionally. People who are missing teeth recognize the need to replace them but may not know which option is right. Patients should speak with our consultants about dentures, pros and cons of each tooth replacement option and along with other possibilities.

Removable Complete Dentures vs. Partial Dentures

Complete Dentures will replace an entire row of teeth along the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures can replace several teeth or half of a row of teeth.

Differences between full and partial dentures.

Full dentures are a good option for patients who have no remaining teeth, or whose damaged teeth are beyond repair or salvaging.

Meanwhile, a partial appliance makes sense when the person still has some natural, healthy teeth remaining with enough support

Fixed Dentures

There are forms of permanent dentures as well that can be more secure and durable. The apparatus of complete dentures is anchored to the jaw with the help of implants. People choose these dentures to help avoid wearing on and off the removable dentures and to prevent embarrassment of the appliance slipping out while speaking or eating.

How do Dentures Work

The doctor should speak openly to their patients about dentures and advise them accordingly. Patients need to understand the benefits and possible drawbacks of this treatment. Unlike implants and bridges, dentures are removable. This apparatus consists of a gum-colored acrylic base and artificial teeth.

The patient will fit the dentures over the gums. Denture adhesive products are available to help keep the appliance firmly in place in the mouth. After a few days to adjust, the patient should not experience discomfort or irritation while wearing the dentures. If pain persists, contact your dentist.

The Process of Denture Fabrication

Our dentist will first meet with the patient to discuss the treatment and what to expect. Team members will take X-rays and make impressions of the patient’s mouth. These will go to a lab technician who can customize the appliance for the patient. At this first appointment, our dentist may remove any decayed or severely damaged teeth. If necessary, this may occur at a subsequent appointment.

Once the dentures are ready, the patient will return to clinic for the fitting process. This appointment will also happen after the gums have healed following any tooth extractions. In making sure the dentures fit correctly, we will also make any adjustments when necessary. Once complete, the patient will be able to bite down without any issue.

Follow-Up Care

All types of medical and dental procedures have potential side effects. Fortunately, getting dentures is less risky than other tooth-replacement options. It can take some time for the wearer to adjust to having dentures in the mouth. After several days, the wearer should feel comfortable. There may also be some minor pain, soreness, and irritation in the gums. Patients should contact our office right away if these problems persist.

It is still essential for patients to visit our office for regular dental appointments, even after getting dentures. Our dentist will examine the patient’s gums and will also make sure the dentures still fit well and are functioning correctly.

How to Care for Dentures

Removable partial or full dentures require proper care to keep them clean, free from stains and looking their best. For good denture care:

1. Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. You may want to place a towel on the counter or in the sink or put some water in the sink so the dentures won 't break if you drop them.

2. Handle your dentures carefully. Be sure you don't bend or damage the plastic or the clasps when cleaning.

3. Clean your mouth after removing your dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks and roof of your mouth (palate). If used, remove any remaining denture adhesive from your gums.

4. Brush your dentures at least daily. Remove and gently clean your dentures daily. Soak and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque and other deposits. If you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive. Don 't use denture cleansers inside your mouth.

5. Soak dentures overnight. Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. Check with your dentist about properly storing your dentures overnight. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning and soaking solutions.

6. Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution. These solutions can contain harmful chemicals that cause vomiting, pain or burns if swallowed.

7. Schedule regular dental checkups. Your dentist will recommend how often to visit to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned. Your dentist can help ensure a proper fit to prevent slippage and discomfort, and also check the inside of your mouth to make sure it 's healthy.

8. See your dentist if you have a loose fit. See your dentist promptly if your dentures become loose. Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores and infection.

You typically should avoid:

Abrasive cleaning materials. Avoid stiff-bristled brushes, strong cleansers and harsh toothpaste, as these are too abrasive and can damage your dentures.

Whitening toothpastes. Toothpastes advertised as whitening pastes often contain peroxide, which does little to change the color of denture teeth.

Bleach-containing products. Don't use any bleaching products because these can weaken dentures and change their color. Don't soak dentures with metal attachments in solutions that contain chlorine because it can tarnish and corrode the metal.Hot water.Avoid hot or boiling water that could warp your dentures.