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Tooth loss is a serious problem for many people. Your dentist is your best advocate when it comes to deciding which tooth replacement option is best for you. The choices vary with several things to take into consideration, but dentures are very popular providing a great result. The Importance of Tooth Replacement A denture is a removable prosthetic appliance that is designed to manage tooth loss due to injury, decay, or disease. How many teeth are lost or are to be extracted will dictate the need for a complete or partial denture. When tooth loss occurs, facial changes can occur due to bone loss. While dentures cannot prevent bone loss, they can provide support for oral structures helping the patient to maintain a more natural appearance. The loss of even one tooth can have a serious impact on your ability to chew properly; and can result in other problems like teeth shifting, food debris collecting around the open spot, and aesthetic concerns. Complete or Partial Dentures A complete denture is required when all teeth in the upper or lower arch require replacement. A partial denture is employed when some natural teeth remain that are healthy enough to support the appliance. A partial is designed to be fastened to neighboring teeth using some type of clasp. Both complete and partial dentures are made from lifelike materials designed to resemble the teeth they are replacing. Since they cannot compete with the strength of natural teeth, care must be taken to maximize their longevity. You will need to remove dentures at bedtime. This gives gum tissue some time to rest and rejuvenate. While you sleep, dentures need to be stored correctly. Follow directions provided carefully. Clean your dentures daily. Even though the teeth in dentures cannot get cavities, if not cleaned daily they can still develop plaque that can impact gum tissue. A denture cleaner and brush are best. Never use toothpaste or scrub with a hard bristle brush as this abrasive action can damage the denture. While dentures are out, carefully clean gum tissue. Clean dentures and healthy gum tissue will prevent odor and provide long life for your oral appliance. To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact our team today!
Dentures provide a way for a patient to restore tooth loss that is effective and aesthetically pleasing. But as with anything new and different, adjustments can be anticipated. Your dentist will likely outline what may occur, but everyone is different and your experience may actually be easier than you expected. Are Dentures My Best Option? The main variables involve how many teeth are impacted and whether you require a partial or full denture; and if your denture will be fixed or removable. A partial denture is available when the patient still retains some biological teeth. These teeth must be relatively healthy … if their condition is questionable, your dentist might recommend a different option. A full denture is required when all teeth from the upper or lower arches are gone. If teeth are being extracted, an immediate denture might be an ideal choice. It is a temporary measure that allows you to have a denture placed at the time teeth are being removed. A permanent denture will be placed once healing has taken place. A fixed denture usually requires more of a financial investment, but allows for the denture to be permanently affixed. A removable denture is attached using some type of clasp (for a partial). What About Those Adjustments For a brief time the new denture wearer is going to require patience as they get used to their new prosthesis. Saliva flow – Any time something new is introduced into the mouth, saliva production usually increases. Speaking – You may feel awkward at first, but practice and perseverance will help you overcome this hurdle. Eating – Soft foods will be on your menu for a brief period of time. As you adjust, slowly introduce more foods eating slowly and in small bites. Smiling – This will be the easiest adjustment of all! Finally, as you get used to your new replacement teeth, additional adjustments may be needed for your denture. Never attempt to fix anything on your own … your dentist will not be surprised that your new dentition requires a little alteration. The key is patience as you adapt to this improvement to your oral health. To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact our team today to schedule a consultation.
Dentures do affect your speech but normally in positive ways. Our teeth assist with pronunciation. For instance, our tongues sometimes make contact with the backs of our teeth to produce specific sounds. Without our teeth, our pronunciation suffers. Wearing dentures after tooth loss will help renew our ability to pronounce words simply and correctly. If your dentures fit poorly, they can impair speech. This normally means that it’s time for your dentures to be relined so that they can accommodate changes in your bone structure or it’s time to replace them all together. Dentures are custom made to ensure that they improve oral function. A denture must accommodate the length and width of the jaw and fit over the gums. Our dentist will take molds (impressions) of the mouth, photographs, and X-rays to develop the specifications necessary to create a beautiful, properly-fitting set of dentures. These specifications are then sent to technicians in dental laboratories who will make these custom prosthetics. When you first wear dentures, it might negatively affect your speech for a couple weeks. This is because it takes some time to get used to the feel and weight of dentures. After this period has passed, however, any speech issues will subside. How long do dentures last? Dentures will last for years with proper care. Like any other type of prosthetic, they do require maintenance. Since patients without teeth tend to suffer with bone atrophy, dentures might need to be readjusted every so often to ensure a comfortable fit. If you notice that your dentures don’t fit comfortably or perform as they should, call our practice to schedule an appointment with our dentist. Prosthetic teeth are made from durable materials but they can break. Dropping them on a hard surface or letting them dry out can lead to them warping, cracking, and chipping. Repairing or replacing broken and worn dentures is important for maintaining oral function and your quality of life. Life without teeth is difficult but a set of custom dentures will give you reason to smile again. Call our practice to reserve a tooth replacement consultation with our caring team.
Your dentures are an investment. Caring for your dentures properly will improve their longevity and help you maintain comfortable oral function. For example, soaking your dentures is necessary. They can become weak and warped without moisture, an issue that can make wearing them uncomfortable. Most dentures require alterations every few years, and ultimately will need replacing. It’s important to talk with your dentist if you experience changes in the way your dentures fit or if they break. Following are tips to help you get the most out of your dentures. Dentures Will Feel More Comfortable Over Time If you’re new to dentures, your gums will likely feel sore during the first couple weeks of wearing them. This is because it takes time for our gums to adjust to the weight of dentures and the force exerted upon them during oral function. It’s important to wear dentures as recommended by your dentist; otherwise, getting used to dentures could take longer. Remember that Dentures Can Break Your dentures are custom made for you from materials like porcelain and acrylic. If you were to drop your dentures on a hard surface, they could chip or break. When you’re not wearing your dentures, be sure they are stored in a clean, safe place. Some people develop the habit of leaving their dentures throughout their homes. We recommend keeping your dentures in a designated place each time they’re not being worn. Keep Your Replacement Teeth Clean Your prosthetic teeth can harbor bacteria – especially if they are not cleaned properly. Denture wearers who practice poor oral hygiene may develop bacterial and fungal infections. Fortunately, cleaning dentures is easy. Patients should brush their dentures gently with a toothbrush made for prosthetic teeth and soak their teeth overnight. When cleaning dentures, be sure to remove all traces of debris from food and residue from adhesives. If you’ve recently lost teeth, we invite you to review your tooth replacement options with our caring team. Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today to reserve an appointment.
Have you chosen dentures to address tooth loss? If so, you probably have some questions. Once you adjust to your replacement teeth, you will enjoy custom, lifelike new teeth that increase oral function and improve your appearance. While life without teeth is difficult, life with prosthetic teeth is much easier. There is an adjustment period, however, when it comes to getting used to dentures. Fortunately, adjusting to dentures only takes a couple of weeks if you consider the following tips. Cleaning Dentures Dentures are cleaned in soaking solutions and with special brushes. A person’s dentures should be cleaned very frequently and kept in water when not in use. This is because dentures should be kept moist. If the materials used to mimic the gums dries out, a person’s denture can crack. Wearing Dentures When you begin wearing dentures, you might feel some discomfort at the end of the day. It takes some time for your gums to adjust to the weight of dentures. Soreness from dentures will subside but it is important to continue to wear your dentures during the day (with small breaks throughout, if necessary) so that your gums can adjust to the sensation of dentures. Report Changes in the Way Dentures Fit Your permanent dentures are made just for you. They are designed to accommodate the curves of your gums and jaw, fit perfectly inside your mouth, and complement your smile without appearing unnatural. However, the way dentures fit can change over time – especially if a person has developed bone atrophy. Bone loss can result in dentures that fit poorly. In the case of changes, patients should make an appointment with their dentist. Sometimes dentures require relining or must be replaced altogether if they do not perform as they should. Receiving dentures can be a life changing experience. Our practice understands the delicate nature of treating tooth loss. We treat all our patients with dignity and provide quality care for people in our area. Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today to schedule a tooth replacement consultation.
When an individual is dealing with tooth loss and considering their options for restoring dentition, many factors require careful consideration. Very often, dentures are the best choice to restore tooth loss. A consultation with your dentist to get answers to address your questions and concerns is needed before making your decision. Don’t rely on helpful friends or family or what you can read on the internet to play a role in your decision. Some of the things your dentist will likely address include: Type of denture needed: How many teeth are missing? A partial denture replaces one or a couple of missing teeth. If all teeth in an arch are gone, a complete denture is required. Your age: Younger patients that are dealing with tooth loss may be better served with a more permanent option. Time: If you are looking for a solution that can be completed in a couple of dental visits over a few weeks, dentures may work best for you. Cost: While dentures are not inexpensive, they are more economical than other options available. Missing teeth: If teeth will be extracted, and you are not receiving an immediate denture you may be facing a period of time without teeth. Will this fit into your daily needs? Finally, your dentist will address what you ultimately will be facing if dentures are selected. How they work, daily care, potential problems, how long they will last … an honest, open discussion with your dentist will help you determine if dentures are right for you. During your dental exam your dentist will examine the teeth on either side of missing dentition. This will help determine what type of denture you may qualify for. If abutment teeth are decayed or impacted by gum disease, a fixed denture may not be suitable for you. If those abutment teeth are not healthy, placing crowns on them as a means to attach your denture will mean an alternative way to attach your denture will be needed … metal clasps are an option. Patients that select dentures will likely undergo an adjustment period. Things such as saliva production, food choices, and speaking adjustments are to be anticipated. These things are usually overcome with time and a little practice; the final result will be worth the time spent. Contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to discuss your own options!
Many patients shy away from dentures due to misconceptions about discomfort associated with the appliance, as well as an unattractive appearance. However, custom dentures designed specifically to fit a patient’s unique mouth structure are less likely to have these drawbacks. Today’s dentures are not the same appliances that your grandparents wore. Our dentist now has access to modern materials that more closely replicate the appearance of biological tooth enamel. Additionally, because the dentures are tailored to each individual patient, they are much more comfortable and the transition to daily denture wear is a smoother one. As such, many patients are pleasantly surprised by the benefits of their custom dentures. This treatment process is relatively painless, and it can begin at your first denture consultation. The dentist will collect the information necessary to shape the design of the denture. Your teeth will be visually examined and you are likely to have dental impressions taken, as well. Patients also have a great amount of input into the denture design process. This presents a great opportunity to improve on the shade of your teeth, for example. Dentures also give you the opportunity to upgrade teeth that were disproportionately small, slightly crooked or otherwise aesthetically flawed. The required information is all then relayed to dental lab technicians who are responsible for creating the denture itself. When the denture is ready, the patient returns to the office to have it fitted. If necessary, further adjustments can be made as necessary at that time. Dentures do require a certain adjustment period, so be patient with yourself as you get accustomed to your new appliance. Our dentist will give you instructions on wearing your dentures for the first few days, so follow these closely and don’t hesitate to call the office if you have any problems. Custom dentures offer a budget-friendly method for restoring a comfortable, lifelike smile following tooth loss. If you need to replace an upper or lower arch of teeth or even your entire smile, schedule an initial appointment with our knowledgeable team to learn more about this treatment option. Call us today at 214-343-1818 to speak with a member of our team and get scheduled for your first appointment.