There are many options a patient can choose from when it comes to teeth replacement. One of the most common choices is dentures. They are made up of artificial teeth and gums, custom-designed to fit in your jaw. They are also removable, so the patient can take them out anytime they want.
Why Dentures Are Necessary
A lot of people opt to get dentures not only to improve their appearance but also to help keep the structure of their mouth. They can improve the patient’s ability to chew and talk. Affordable dentures can also help people avoid further oral health issues, such as rotting tooth roots.
Facts About Dentures
Before diving further, here are some interesting facts you need to know about dentures:
They Are Not Just for Old People
One of the most common myths about dentures is that only older people use them. A patient can get dentures whenever their natural teeth sustain an injury or decay, which can also happen to young people.
They Are Fragile
Today’s dentures can last for a very long time. However, they are not as strong as natural human teeth. That’s why they should be taken care of to prevent any damage.
They Need to Be Relined
As time passes, the shape of a person’s jaw can change, which will cause their dentures to move around or loosen. The patient will need to have their doctor reline their dentures every five to seven years.
Types of Dentures
Like other treatment options, dentures have different types since each patient has a different situation and will need a solution that’s best suited for them. Here are some of them:
Traditional Complete Full Dentures
This replaces all of a person’s teeth. It has a flesh-colored base made of acrylic that fits over the patient’s gums. Full dentures are usually placed after any remaining teeth are removed and gum tissues are healed.
Partial Dentures
This type is used on a person who still has some natural healthy teeth left. It has a pink-colored base attached to a metal piece, which helps keep the denture in place.
Immediate Dentures
Unlike traditional and partial, this type of denture is placed into the person’s mouth the same day the doctor extracts their teeth. However, only patients with enough jawbone density can qualify for this type.
Custom Dentures
If a patient wants to have more natural-looking teeth, custom dentures are the best option. These dentures are more expensive compared to other types, and they’re customized according to the person’s smile, which results in more natural-looking teeth.
Snap-In Dentures
When it comes to stability, the best choice a patient has is snap-in dentures. These are securely kept in place with the use of dental implants or anchors attached to the person’s existing teeth, but they’re still removable. This denture is for patients who don’t have any teeth but have enough bone density to support the implant.
Implant-Supported Dentures
This is a combination of a conventional denture and a more advanced dental implant. With the help of the implant, the dentures will be more stable, have improved functionality, and stop jawbone loss.
Upper Dentures
These are for the patient’s upper teeth only. If someone has a missing tooth or doesn’t have any teeth in their upper jaw, this may be the reliable solution for them.
Economy Dentures
This is the most cost-effective option. However, considering they’re generic, they won’t securely fit in the patient’s mouth, which means they will still need an adhesive. Another bad thing about economy dentures is that they look fake.
How Long Does It Take Before a Person Gets Used to Them?
During the first few weeks, the dentures may feel uncomfortable. Sometimes, it can take months before a person gets used to them. The patient may also experience excessive saliva flow because their tongue doesn’t have enough room in their mouth. They may also experience minor soreness, which is common among people who just started using them.
Get Your Dentures Now
Now that you’ve learned about dentures, you can have a better idea of which type you should have. However, you should always ask your dentist first. Find a trusted clinic in your area that offers high-quality yet affordable dentures today.