Individuals with one or missing teeth may invest in dentures to restore their smile and dental health. The dentures serve as replacements for the missing teeth and are removable. Thanks to advances in dental technology, men and women find their dental dentures to look natural and are more comfortable than in the past. Dentures come in both full and partial versions. The dentist becomes of great help in determining which is appropriate for the patient.
How do Dentures Work?
Dentures come with an acrylic base that fits over the gums. This base comes in flesh color, so it blends in with the mouth and features a base covering the mouth’s top. The lower dentures come in a horseshoe shape to account for the tongue. A dental lab custom makes the dentures using impressions taken at the dental office.
How Are Dentures Made?
Dental labs make affordable dentures from a variety of materials. The materials used for this task include nylon, porcelain, metal, and resin. First, the lab builds a framework for the dentures using nylon, metal, or acrylic, depending on the type of denture selected. Once the framework is complete, the lab attaches false teeth made of resin or porcelain. Men and women often opt for porcelain for their dentures, as this material closely resembles the feel and color of natural teeth. Porcelain holds up over time, but patients find it can damage adjacent teeth. For this reason, dentists typically recommend this material only for full dentures.
How Long Does It Take to Get Dentures?
Many patients opt for immediate dental dentures. This option allows them to leave the dentist’s office with a complete set of teeth. However, with this option comes the need for frequent adjustments to accommodate the gum tissue’s healing. Conventional dentures, in contrast, take eight to 12 weeks to make, and the process does not begin until the mouth has healed following any necessary tooth extractions. Nevertheless, fewer adjustments tend to be needed when this option is selected.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Dentures periodically need to be relined, rebased, or remade. Dentures require this because they wear down with time, and the mouth changes as a person ages. These changes lead to the dentures becoming loose, and a person will notice it becomes harder to chew. In addition, gum irritation becomes an issue when the dentures don’t fit properly, so a person should see their dentist for regular checkups.
Individuals must appropriately care for the dentures. Appropriate care involves brushing the dentures daily to remove food buildup and plaque. Brushing likewise helps prevent stains. The dentures should never be allowed to dry out either. To avoid this, store them in plain water or a denture cleanser soaking solution. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the dentures.
Prior to putting the dentures in each morning, brush the tongue, gums, and palate. Doing so removes any plaque that has accumulated. Finally, stand over a sink full of water or a folded towel when inserting the dentures. If you accidentally drop the dentures, this will provide them with a cushion, so they don’t break.
Speak to a dentist about dentures if you have one or more missing or failing teeth. Dentists work with patients to find the right solutions to their dental needs. For many, dentures serve as the ideal solution.
