As we age there is a tendency to lose our natural teeth. Living without teeth can affect one’s physical and mental health. Teeth are necessary for speech, eating and comfortable social interactions. Many people choose dentures for missing teeth. A study from 2012 found that in Australia, over 20% of people over the age of 65 are edentulous (without teeth); and about 50% of those over 65 with teeth wore partial dentures. Teeth dentures are a noninvasive and inexpensive technology that can quickly return a certain quality of life to those who are missing teeth. Everyone has heard of dentures, but few of us know everything there is to know about them. How do we know if dentures are right for us? It is important to consider the pros and cons. To adapt to wearing teeth dentures, there are a few tips to follow to facilitate the transition.
Wearing a lower denture is more difficult
Most complaints from those who wear dentures are about lower dentures. Wearing a lower denture can be more difficult because there is less space on the lower jaw. Lower teeth dentures have a tendency to move about. As the lower jaw moves about, the dentures can also be pushed around. There is also the issue of the tongue. The form of the lower jaw makes it difficult for the denture to create proper suction. One sure way to prevent movement is to use a denture adhesive. Denture adhesives can help prevent food residues from coming between the teeth, dentures and gums. They help make wearing dentures more comfortable and increase one’s confidence and satisfaction.
Palates come in different shapes
When choosing dentures you will be able to make choices to facilitate the adaptation of dentures in your mouth. Everyone’s mouth shape is unique. This is why there are dentures that have palates in different shapes and sizes. These shapes may be rounded, square or in the form of a V. The importance of the denture’s palate is that it creates proper suction with the roof of your mouth. When we lose our teeth, our gums naturally change in size and can become smaller over time. Your dentures can also wear down over time with use. This is why it is important to have your dentures looked at once a year by your dentist so that they can make any necessary adjustments.
Singing can assist denture transition
Wearing dentures is a transition that may take time to get used to. It is important not to set unrealistic goals. New denture users need time to adjust to the change in their mouth space. Because teeth dentures can affect how you speak, singing slowly and smoothly can be a good way to help practice and build your confidence. Singing can help you get past the initial stages of feeling inhibited when you speak; thus helping you to adjust to your new dental implants.
A soft diet helps ease into dentures
One of the biggest changes when you first start out with dentures is getting used to eating with them. This is especially true if you have lived with missing teeth for a long time. Chewing may seem awkward at first. The brain must learn to adapt to the new mouth space in order to operate without concentration. In order for chewing to become natural again, it is recommended to start out with a soft diet. Eating soft foods will help you adapt to the initial differences and sensations of the eating experience. You can slowly add harder foods to your diet as you become more comfortable and confident in your movements.
Dentures don’t transmit sensation
There is a loss of sensation when wearing dentures. They are not connected to your nerves like real teeth. It’s important to remember that dentures don’t replace real teeth. One of the main ways they differ is that they don’t transmit the sensations of touch or pressure that your natural teeth do. This can be a bit disconcerting, particularly when eating. The denture’s palate covers your own mouth’s palate and thus affects our eating experience. For this reason, there exist horseshoe-shaped palateless dentures. They are mechanically attached to implants and can only be put on or removed by your dentist. This option doesn’t give back all of your natural sensations but can help improve the denture experience, especially for those who tend to create a lot of saliva or whose gag reflex is more easily triggered.
Summary
Wearing dentures is a non-intrusive way of replacing your natural teeth when they are gone. They can be aesthetically pleasing and are a good option for those unwilling to have dental implants. Teeth dentures can help those with missing teeth return to some normalcy in their lives. For all their benefits, the transition to wearing dentures is not one to be taken lightly and must not be rushed. You can assure yourself a better quality of life by choosing the right dentures for you. It is an important decision that is best made by speaking with a professional. The Dental Family Beaumaris will help you in choosing dentures that are right for you and your lifestyle. You can visit our Facebook page and website to see all the dental services we provide. Contact us today to make an appointment and take the next step towards getting the right dentures for you.
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