As humans age, it’s normal to lose teeth quickly due to dental disease and deteriorating health conditions. That’s because the body’s structure begins to degenerate, and physiological processes slow down.

Unfortunately, oral deficiencies result in cosmetic issues, like an unpleasant smile. Lack of teeth can also impact a person’s health and well-being.

Elderly man on a review of a dentist, sitting in a chair

This is why dentures or false teeth remain the most preferred solution to rebuilding your smile.  The reliable dentist in stafford can help with this concern, provided it is the best option for you. Before committing to getting a denture, below are some things that you may want to consider:

 

  • Explore Your Options

 

Dentures come in partial or complete sets, but this depends on your dentist and what they deem necessary for your case. A partial denture replaces some lost teeth and applies to individuals with several remaining natural teeth and gums strong enough to support them. On the other hand, complete dentures replace all lost teeth and can be placed on your top, bottom, or both jaws.

Several denture options are available in the market today, restoring a person’s radiant smile and self-confidence. They are the following:

 

  • Implant-supported dentures. This denture option is made more secure with the use of dental implants. These implants may be installed on a patient’s lower or upper jaw while using other dental attachment tools to keep it in place. Implant-supported dentures are natural-looking and long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about your teeth looking off while flashing a smile.
  • Custom dentures. Custom dentures are made specifically to fit a patient’s mouth. Your dentist will check the positioning of your teeth and your bite, among many other factors. This type of denture also gives you a better smile, as it aims to look more natural on you. The only downside is that it’s on the pricier side.
  • Traditional dentures. You may also want to consider getting economy or traditional dentures if you haven’t budgeted enough for your teeth restoration procedure. These dentures are often made from a plastic or resin base to resemble your gums and teeth. Because they’re pretty cheap, economy dentures look less natural and may not feel as comfortable as the other options. They’re less secure and removable as well, much like dental veneers.
  • Immediate dentures. Dentures take days to make, and you’ll probably have to appear teeth-less in public if you’ve just had your denture-fitting appointment. But if your dentist sees you as a viable candidate, they might recommend wearing immediate dentures. They’re either partial or complete teeth replacements that you can use immediately after extraction. However, they often only last for three months or less.
  • Expect To Feel Uncomfortable

 

Before going through with it, you must know what to expect following a denture installation. You must anticipate your body, specifically your mouth, to have some type of reaction to the new foreign object. For instance, a new denture wearer may experience increased saliva production and other forms of discomfort. 

First-time denture wearers may also have difficulty pronouncing certain words and feel something off for the first few days or weeks. Eating may prove to be uncomfortable as well since your mouth is still adjusting to the presence of your denture.

The dentist is holding dentures in his hands. Dental prosthesis in the hands of the doctor close-up. Front view of complete denture. Dentistry conceptual photo. Prosthetic dentistry. False teeth

These symptoms are usual but will only last for a short time. If months have passed and your body still hasn’t adjusted well, it may be time to return to your dentist and ask for help.

 

  • Learn How To Take Care Of Your Replacement Teeth       

 

Before you leave the dentist’s office, their staff may remind you of some post-care instructions and send you written reminders and even free adhesives. If you don’t know how to take care of your dentures, you may develop irritation or gum disease.

To give you a brief background, below are some of the most common ways to take care of your new dentures:

 

  • Brush your dentures correctly. Brush your dentures gently but thoroughly using a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive denture cleanser. Then, you may soak them in a glass filled with a cleaning solution. After a few minutes, brush the denture again and re-soak it.
  • Clean your dentures at least twice daily. To protect your remaining teeth, make sure to maintain oral hygiene still. But as you brush your natural teeth, remember to clean your dentures as often. With proper oral and denture care, most dental problems can decrease. You should also remove your dentures before sleeping, as keeping them on may lead to irritation, inflammation, and eventually, infections.
  • Avoid products that can damage your dentures. You may think that it’s no problem using bleach on dentures to maintain a bright smile. However, some oral professionals don’t recommend this. Using harsh chemicals like bleach can damage your dentures in the long run. Consequently, limiting wine, caffeine, and other teeth-staining food can help retain your bright smile.

 

The Bottom Line

Using dentures can make a big difference in one’s life, allowing them to take advantage of the many things that life has to offer. They may not be perfect, but overall, dentures can significantly improve a person’s quality of life, retain their bright smile, and face life with renewed confidence.