What Are Dentures?
An adult typically has thirty-two permanent teeth. A complete set of teeth are not only aesthetically pleasing; they help you talk and eat better, leading to overall better quality of life. Permanent teeth are expected to last you a lifetime with proper care. However, as you grow older, you may experience tooth loss due to weakened teeth, dental caries, gum disease, or even accidents.
Dentures are false teeth placed to replace lost or damaged teeth, and if you know how to clean your dentures, they can last you a long time.
What Are They Made Out Of?
Some of the most common materials for dentures are acrylic resin, chrome, and porcelain.
Acrylic Resin
Acrylic resin is a type of plastic. It is lightweight, durable, and a much cheaper option than other denture materials. Most complete dentures are made of acrylic resin. However, this material is not as durable and wears down easier when compared to other denture materials.
Chrome
Chrome or cobalt chrome is a widely used material for partial dentures and is designed so that the chrome fittings are not visible when worn. Chrome dentures are comprised of a metal framework that supports the false teeth, which are usually made of acrylic.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a translucent ceramic material. Most dentists nowadays no longer use porcelain as a material for making dentures due to the strain they cause on the underlying bone tissue.
Types of Dentures
There are various different types of dentures, depending on your needs.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are fitted for people who have lost their upper or lower sets of teeth and help maintain the shape of the mouth by providing support to facial muscles. These types of dentures are usually made of acrylic.
Removable Partial Dentures
These types of dentures are ideal for people who still have most of their natural teeth. A partial denture adheres to the remaining surrounding teeth through metal clasps.
How to Clean Dentures
Dentures can last you five to eight years with proper care. Make the most out of your dentures by knowing how to clean dentures properly.
Remove After Eating
Make it a habit to remove your dentures after every meal to remove food particles. After taking them off, rinse them in warm water and pat them dry before putting them back in.
Brush Daily
Clean your dentures at least once a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a denture cleaner, ideally before bed.
Don’t Wear Your Dentures to Bed
You don’t wear your shoes to bed and the same applies to your dentures. The old school of thought was to soak the denture overnight in a denture solution – that is no longer recommended. It is now recommended to clean the dentures before bed and dry them and keep them dry overnight. Any bacteria that survive the cleaning process will die off in a dry environment because of the bacteria that live in your mouth like moisture.
Don’t Forget to Rinse
Ensure that you rinse your dentures before putting them back in your mouth.
Clean Your Mouth
Practice good oral health by regularly rinsing your mouth and cleaning your tongue. This helps avoid further decay to existing teeth and helps keep oral bacteria at bay.
What Are the Benefits of Dentures?
Getting dentures to replace your lost teeth have tons of benefits.
Improved Confidence
People who have missing teeth may suffer from poor body image and self-esteem. You can get your confidence back and flaunt your smile with your new set of teeth. When comparing life before and after dentures, you can’t help but think about how you got by without them.
Look Younger
Your natural teeth’s structure helps support your facial muscles. Without them, your facial features would sag, causing you to look older. With complete dentures, you can prevent the drooping of your facial muscles, making you look your age or even younger.
Better Speech
Dentures help you speak more clearly by helping to eliminate lisps and other pronunciation issues you may have had due to incomplete teeth.
Eat Better
Having a complete set of teeth also allows you to have a more varied diet. If you don’t have a complete set of teeth, your diet may be limited to soft foods.
You can now chew better and eat foods you previously enjoyed with dentures.
How Long Does It Take to Get Dentures?
Some dentures can be inserted the same day that a tooth is pulled out. Other dentures can take up to four weeks to be inserted.
Almost as Good as the Real Thing
Dentures can be life-changing, especially in terms of overall health and confidence. Once you get dentures, you can’t help but compare life before and after dentures. They are the cheapest option to replace missing teeth. The Dental Family Beaumaris has dental experts that can help you restore your smile. Our team can answer any queries you might have about dentures. Contact us here today.
