Dentures also known as false teeth and gums are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and fixed back into your mouth. Dentures can either be full or partial, meaning that they can replace all teeth on either the top or down the gum line or just a few missing teeth. Regardless of the kind of denture you require, they will be customized to fit your mouth and visually matched to your existing teeth.
WHY DENTURES ARE NECESSARY
They may be several reasons why one may lose teeth during their lifetime. Extraction of teeth may be necessary because of periodontal disease or tooth decay. Teeth can also be removed due to defects or deterioration caused by other health problems, but most often teeth are lost through injury.
Everyone will not be entire without teeth but even the loss of a few teeth can cause problems and also affect your appearance. If they are multiple missing teeth, there is less support for the cheeks and lips and this can cause the facial muscle to sag. This deterioration of teeth can make eating and speaking more difficult. The use of dentures to replace lost teeth restores the appearance of your smile while also providing the necessary support to keep your entire face healthy.
TYPES OF DENTURES
COMPLETE DENTURES
The complete denture is being worn by people who lost all the teeth in a single arch or in both arches, complete dentures can either be conventional or immediate. Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been lost or removed and are ready for placement in the mouth 8 to 12 weeks after teeth lose. On the other hand, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. In this case, the patient doesn’t have to be without teeth during the healing period. The disadvantage of immediate dentures is that they require more adjustment to fit properly during the healing process.
PARTIAL DENTURES
Partial dentures are made for patients who are missing some of their teeth on a particular arch, the partial denture is removable and can be fixed back when needed. It consists of a pink or gum-coloured plastic base which is sometimes connected to a metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth.
DENTURE CARE
Complete or partial dentures require proper care to keep them clean, free from stains, good looking and for a healthy mouth. Here are some of the tips for good denture care;
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Remove and rinse denture after eating: After each meal, it is essential to remove the denture from the mouth and rinse it properly. You may want to place a towel on the counter or in the sink or put some water in the sink so that the denture doesn’t break if you drop
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Handle the denture with great care: avoid bending the plastic or the clips when cleaning, to avoid damaging the denture.
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Brush and rinse dentures daily without toothpaste: microscopic scratches that can give room for food and plaque to build up. Just like natural teeth, dentures require daily brushing to remove food plaque. Brushing the dentures also helps to prevent the development of permanent stains on them.
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Regular dental check-ups: Your dentist will recommend a visit schedule in order to have your denture examined, professionally cleaned and ensure proper fit to prevent slippage and discomfort.
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Ensure you see your dentist if you have a loose fit, sores, irritation, or infection.