Dentures aren’t for everyone, but in some cases, they can provide the best solution for missing teeth. When a patient has lost all of their teeth, the prescription of dentures is a common way to restore the function and aesthetics of a smile while adding support to the cheeks, lips and jawbones.
Notes on Dentures
Here are a few details about dentures:
Dentures can be placed as full or partial sets depending on the severity of your tooth loss. Full dentures restore an entire palate of lost teeth, while partials are used when some of your natural teeth are remaining.
Due to new dental implant technology, dentures are also an innovative new way to halt the progression of bone loss that was once associated with denture usage. Dentures that are fixed into place by attaching them to dental implants can help preserve bone by inciting jawbone stimulation. Like natural teeth, the implant supports of the dentures can transfer bite force to the bone of the jaw to stimulate the production of new bone cells, which sustain the density of the bone.
Dentures are removable and easy to clean and care for. They can be removed and reinserted by the patient. It is best to rinse your dentures regularly to keep them free of stains. However, only rinsing in cool water is suggested. Hot water can cause the resin components of the dentures to warp, negatively affecting the fit of the appliance in your mouth. This is significant because dentures that are not implant-supported are often held in place primarily by the natural suction of your mouth.
Dentures are made of an acrylic material that closely resembles natural teeth for strength and durability. Dentures are often made of acrylic resin, which is lightweight and natural-looking.
Dentures are removable yet require just as much care as natural teeth. Although dentures are not natural teeth, their cleaning and care are still important. If bacteria and plaque are permitted to coat the appliance without regular removal, the health of your gums could suffer. Also, dentures that are not regularly cleaned will become stained and malodorous over time.
How to Care for Your Dentures
If you wear dentures, try to adhere to the following:
Clean your dentures at least daily.
You can use a toothbrush to remove plaque. In addition, there are dental cleaning solutions that allow you to soak your dentures for cleaning and disinfection. The solutions sometimes release effervescent bubbles for deeper cleaning action.
Rinse your dentures after you eat or drink something dark.
By rinsing your dentures after you consume darkly pigmented substances, such as coffee or tea, you can avoid stains that may discolor your appliance.
Store your dentures in liquid.
Since many dentures are made primarily from resin, it is important to keep them moist. Remaining out of a liquid for a prolonged period can result in your dentures drying out and becoming brittle and disfigured.
Implant-supported Dentures
Aside from their obvious benefits, teeth are extremely important to our oral health. They not only allow us to eat and speak, but they also provide a sturdy foundation for both the top and bottom jawbones. When we lose teeth, our jawbones begin to deteriorate. New denture technology allows your Melbourne Florida dentist to place dental implants into your jawbone. Your dentures will “clip into” the implants while the implants provide reinforcement for your fragile jawbone. By utilizing dental implants, your profile will not change, and you will be able to enjoy a fully functioning set of teeth without worrying about intraoral adhesives commonly used to keep dentures from slipping.
These Specific Dentures Remain Removable
Still, even with the clip-in mechanism, your dentures remain removable. The mechanism is easy to release and reattach the dentures to the implants, so you should not require assistance during the process and can take your dentures out at will. Also, due to the underlying implants, you can avoid the embarrassing moments associated with traditional dentures. There should be no slipping or clacking from an implant-supported appliance.Getting Dental Implants in Florida
If you do not already have dental implants and implant-supported dentures are desired, you will need to undergo an implantation procedure. During the procedure, a rod or screw made of titanium metal is inserted into the bone of the jaw. Once the implant is surgically installed, it heals into position over a period of a few months. The healing process, which is called osseointegration, ensures that implant is as stable within the jaw as the root of a natural tooth.
Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment or connector can be placed on the dental implant to allow its connection to your dentures. To allow the best support, your Melbourne, Florida dentist will determine the most strategic positioning of your dental implants.
Do I Have To Get Dental Implants?
While dental implants are recommended for a tighter, long-lasting, and more natural fit, you can certainly choose dentures that do not clip into dental implants. Traditional dentures fit perfectly on the gums of the upper and lower jaws and have been used successfully for centuries. Know that because of bone loss caused by the absence of teeth, traditional dentures will need to be refitted occasionally to ensure the function and aesthetics of the dentures are not compromised.
Dr. Brazdo can place full and partial dentures depending on your individual condition. She’s excited to see how your smile will improve with this enhanced technology.