Understanding Dentures: Types, Procedure, and Aftercare

Dentures play a crucial role in restoring the aesthetics of your face, preventing facial sagging that might occur due to tooth loss. With full or partial dentures, you can regain your smile, as well as the ability to chew and bite, allowing you to relish foods you might have had to avoid when teeth were missing.



Function vs. Appearance: Dentures as Prosthetic Replacements

While dentures impeccably restore the appearance of your smile and face, functionally, they serve as prosthetic replacements. Similar to prosthetic limbs, dentures function differently from natural teeth. Their stability and the variety of foods denture-wearers can comfortably consume vary from person to person. Dentists guide on foods to avoid or eat differently, facilitating easier chewing (e.g., cutting meats into smaller pieces). Adjusting to speaking while wearing dentures, especially for certain sounds, might take some practice but usually improves over time.

Understanding Dentures

Dentures are artificial teeth attached to a plastic base resembling gums. The teeth, typically made from plastic acrylic, are customized in color to achieve a natural appearance in your mouth. They replace missing teeth, available in full sets or partials to fill gaps between existing teeth.

Types of Dentures

• Full Dentures: They attach via suction between the palate and the denture for the upper jaw. The lower jaw's dentures, without palate support, might take some time to adjust.
• Partial Dentures: These attach by clasping onto existing teeth. Cast partials, with a metal base, are durable but might have visible metal clips. Flexible partials, with an all-plastic structure, offer a more discreet appearance.

Denture Procedure Overview

The process involves multiple appointments, beginning with molds or scans of your gums and remaining teeth. Models are created to craft dentures precisely fitting your jawbone and gums. After fittings and adjustments, properly fitted dentures are provided.

Aftercare Recommendations

Proper denture care is crucial. They should be removed at night to allow your gums to rest and soaked in a denture solution to prevent drying, which can cause brittleness. Special denture toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush should be used for cleaning to prevent breakage.