If you have recently begun wearing dentures, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Well, you are not alone. Adjusting to dentures can feel like a challenge, and you may find yourself wondering where to start. Fortunately, this guide has all the answers.
Here, we will explore tips and advice from experts on how to effectively transition into life with dentures. Read on to discover more!
What Are the Different Types of Dentures?
Believe it or not, there are different types of dentures that patients can use. Here are a few of them:
Full (Removable Dentures)
Full dentures are the most common type of dentures and are used to replace all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. They are held in place by suction and can be removed to clean them. A patient generally requires full dentures when there is no tooth left in their jaw.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace missing teeth when some of the patient’s natural teeth remain. These dentures are held in place by metal clasps that attach to the remaining teeth, and they can also be taken out for cleaning.
However, some partial dentures are fixed permanently in the mouth, and they cannot be removed. When dentures are fixed, they’re usually made of a material that matches the patient’s natural teeth and implanted into the gums.
Fixed Dental Bridges
Fixed dental bridges replace one or more teeth by using artificial teeth that are held in place by two crowns on either side. The crowns are bonded to the natural teeth, and the bridge is permanently cemented.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are secured to the jawbone by dental implants and are more stable than regular dentures. They also look and feel more natural, as they provide a secure fit that’s similar to the patient’s natural teeth. The implants also reduce the risk of jawbone shrinkage that can occur with regular dentures.
No matter which type of dentures you choose, it’s important to keep them clean and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. With proper care, your dentures should last for years.
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures can help improve your overall oral health and your quality of life. They provide the following benefits:
Restore a Natural-Looking Smile
When a person needs dentures, it’s because they’ve lost a significant number of teeth. This can lead to gaps in the smile that make it difficult to eat and talk. With dentures, a patient can restore their natural-looking smile and feel more confident in their appearance.
Improve Chewing Ability
Missing teeth make it difficult to chew food properly. As a result, it leads to digestion problems and malnutrition. Dentures help restore the patient’s ability to chew, improving their overall health.
Provides Comfort
Dentures are designed to fit comfortably in the mouth, which provides relief from pain and discomfort. This allows the patient to eat and speak more comfortably, and they can enjoy their favorite foods without any issues.
Prevents Jawbone Shrinkage
When a person loses their teeth, the jawbone begins to shrink over time. This can cause the face to look sunken and older. Dentures prevent this from happening, as they provide stimulation to the jawbone that keeps it healthy and strong.
Improved Speech and Pronunciation
Missing teeth make it challenging to pronounce certain words. That’s because the tongue has difficulty forming them. Dentures can restore a patient’s ability to speak clearly, making it easier to communicate with others.
Better Appearance
As previously stated, missing teeth can cause a person’s face to look sunken and aged. With dentures, patients achieve a more well-rounded appearance. Teeth give their face structure and balance, which helps them look younger and healthier.
Affordable
In most cases, dentures are an affordable option for replacing missing teeth. They cost less than other tooth replacement methods, such as dental implants or veneers.
In addition, most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dentures. That them even more affordable.
Tips for Adjusting to Dentures
There’s an adjustment period that most patients go through after getting dentures. Here are a few tips that’ll help you out:
Take Time to Adjust
When you’re first adjusting to dentures, it’s normal to feel a bit uncomfortable or awkward. You’ll need time and patience to get used to them. Don’t get frustrated. Understand that it’ll take some time to adjust and learn how to speak and eat with them.
Remove Them Periodically
If you have removable dentures, it’s a good idea to remove them periodically. This allows your gums to rest and relieves any pressure that’s been placed on them. It also provides relief for your cheeks and jaws.
Within the first week of getting dentures, removing them at least once a day is a good idea. Taking them out for a few hours will prevent sores and irritation.
Practice Talking and Eating
When you first get your dentures, it’s important to practice talking and chewing with them. This will help you learn how to use them properly and get comfortable speaking and eating with them in your mouth.
Thoroughly Clean Your Dentures
An aspect of adjusting to dentures is properly cleaning them. Although caring for your dentures is similar to brushing real teeth, there are some differences. You’ll need to use a specially designed cleaning solution in order to remove food particles from your dentures.
Generally, it’s best to soak them overnight in a cleaning solution. This will make sure that they’re clean and free of bacteria. It’s also important to brush them thoroughly with a soft-bristled brush each morning.
Know When to Reach Out to Your Dentist
If you experience any pain, discomfort, or other problems with your dentures, contact your dentist right away. They can evaluate the problem and make adjustments as needed.
In addition to reaching out to your dentist if you experience problems, you also want to make sure you visit them regularly for denture checkups. This will help ensure that your dentures are still fitting well and won’t cause any harm to your gums or teeth. Even after receiving dentures, your oral health should still be a priority.
Denture Recovery and Aftercare: What to Expect
There are a few things to keep in mind when adjusting to dentures. During your recovery, you should expect some soreness and discomfort. This is because your mouth must get used to the dentures and a new way of speaking and eating. It’s important to be patient and give yourself time to adjust.
You should also expect some trial and error when it comes to eating with dentures. It may take some time to get used to the new way of chewing. To minimize any potential issues, try eating soft foods and avoiding sticky or hard foods while you’re still adjusting.
Furthermore, you should know that your dentures may need to be corrected after they have been fitted. This is because the shape and size of your mouth is likely to change over time. Therefore, it’s smart to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and possible adjustments.
Also, there are a few things you can do to prolong the life of your dentures:
Handle Them Carefully
You want to make sure that you handle your dentures with care. Handle them gently and make sure you don’t drop them on a hard surface as this could cause damage.
Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions for Cleaning and Storing Them
It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for cleaning them. This can help keep them in good condition and free from bacteria. When storing your dentures, place them in a glass of water or a special cleaning solution to keep them from drying out.
Avoid Using Harsh Cleaners or Abrasive Brushes
Using abrasive cleaning materials or cleaners can damage your dentures. It’s vital to use the right products when caring for them. Cleaners or brushes that are too abrasive may cause them to wear prematurely or become damaged.
Get a Brand-New Smile
Adjusting to dentures is a difficult process, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips, you’ll have a better experience.
If you’re ready to take this step towards getting dentures or partials, we can help you. At Dental Rescue, we offer dentures, duplicate dentures, and more.
If you’d like to contact us, call 1-888-988-1851, or contact us on our website. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
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