Statistics have shown that one in five adults over the age of 65 has untreated tooth decay. Also, more than 90 percent of adults aged 20 to 64 have had one or more cavities. These teeth problems are the major causes of teeth loss. Tooth loss is a condition in which one or more teeth come loose or fall out. The loss of milk teeth in kids is nothing to worry about, but the loss of permanent teeth in adults calls for concern. However, the loss of permanent tooth/teeth is not the end of your perfect set of teeth. Dentures are here to save the day.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that are used for the replacement of missing teeth and tissues. Losing a tooth or teeth to cavities or tooth decay can have negative effects on your looks and oral health. Therefore, it is very important to replace lost teeth as soon as possible. Dentures are a very good option to restore your alluring smile by replacing your lost teeth.
There are two main types of dentures and they are used to serve the same purpose but in different ways. They are the complete dentures and the removable partial dentures.
Complete Dentures
A complete denture is a removable denture device used to replace missing teeth when you have lost all of your teeth. A complete denture is also known as a full mouth denture because it takes up the whole mouth. A complete denture is made up of the denture base and the artificial teeth. The base acts as a foundation for the artificial teeth while the artificial teeth serve the purpose of your natural teeth. Complete dentures help you to live a normal life after the loss of all your teeth.
Removable partial dentures (RPD)
A removable partial denture, as its name implies, is a type of denture that helps you replace some parts of your teeth. It can only be used when you still have some existing natural tooth left. They are made up of replacement teeth attached to a natural-looking pink base. The pink base is made to match the color of your gum. This is a good option if you seek to replace part of your lost teeth to regain that smile and protect your oral health.
Advantages of Dentures
- Dentures as a teeth replacement option possess qualities that give it an edge over other options. The following qualities are the reasons why dentures are held in high esteem.
- Dentures are comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and perform the full function of your natural teeth.
- Dentures are available for all kinds of tooth loss. You don’t have to remove the rest of your natural teeth to get a denture. The partial denture is a solution for a few missing teeth.
- Dentures look and feel like natural teeth. Dentures cannot be easily noticed and this boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
- Dentures help to protect you from further loss of your natural teeth.
- Dentures are long-lasting and very durable. They last long with proper denture care.
- Dentures are affordable and cost-effective. They give you value for your money.
Fixing Dentures
Dentures fixing procedures can be carried out by any general or family dentist in Munster. Dentures are made with measurements to have a perfect fit.
Dentures are further divided into two based on the time and mode of fixing. We have the conventional and the immediate dentures.
Also, existing teeth problems might need to be treated before fixing dentures. The immediate dentures can be fixed immediately your teeth are removed while the conventional dentures need about eight to twelve weeks to be fixed. Conventional dentures are fixed after some weeks to allow the gum tissues to heal after the teeth have been removed from them. Make sure to update your dentist on your dental history before getting dentures.
Caring for your dentures
Dentures as a replacement for natural teeth should also be treated like natural teeth. This helps to make them last longer and also protects your oral health.
Lack of denture care can lead to bad breath, fungal infections in the mouth, and gum diseases.
Therefore, dentures should be well taken care of to prevent causing a greater problem while trying to solve one.
Dentures should be removed before sleeping and placed in water to enable your gums to rest. It also prevents you from choking on them mistakenly in your sleep. Dentures should be cleaned regularly to prevent plaques and remove food particles stuck in them.
Abiding by these dentures care will protect your oral health, restore your smile and increase the longevity of your dentures.
