If you are considering getting dentures, already have them or know someone who uses it, it is likely for you to have questions about them. This article will cover information on what dentures are, why is it important, and how they can improve your oral health. We hope that you will find answers to all of your queries and be able to decide whether dentures are right for you.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are the removable false teeth that are used to replace missing teeth. A missing tooth can be caused by many reasons like tooth decay or injury etc. Dentures are created to fit snugly with the shape and size of your teeth.

What Are the Dentures Made of?

The dentures are made by specialist technicians from the impressions and wax molds that the dentist prepares. Different types of dentures use different materials. For example, complete dentures are made with a gum colored acrylic base and plastic or porcelain teeth. Partial dentures use the chrome cobalt material.

What Are the Different Types of Dentures?

They can be clasped on the natural teeth for a proper fit. Here are some types:

Full dentures– Full denture consists of both lower and upper sets. These dentures are mainly used when all the natural teeth are gone. Complete dentures can last between 5-10 years.

Partial dentures– A partial denture or bridge is usually recommended when one or more tooth(s) need to be replaced. They help the teeth from getting shifted.

Fixed dentures– Some of the tooth replacements are fixed surgically including the implants, overdentures and some removable dentures. There are four types of fixed dentures.

• Fixed bridge: A fixed bridge is used to replace the missing teeth by cementing an artificial tooth to the remaining natural teeth on each side.
• Implants: Dental implants replace the root of the tooth. They are surgically placed into the jawbone and fused with it for a natural fit.
• Crowns: A crown is used to secure the implants that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. It is then fixed in place using screws.
• Implant supported (removable) dentures: Implants in the jaw are used to attach a denture which acts like base. Your dental implant becomes a part of your jawbone. The implants thus provide stability to your denture. The implants ensure that the removable denture does not come loose when worn. Furthermore, it also allows you to remove the denture, if necessary.

Why Are Dentures Necessary?

Tooth loss can make day-to-day tasks like speaking and biting very difficult. Many people who suffer tooth loss often experience a lower quality of life. Dentures enable victims of tooth loss to talk openly and break down the food. By refusing to wear dentures, you can cause nutrition problems for yourself. Due to the missing tooth, many people tend to avoid vegetables and proteins like meat and nuts that the body needs. In addition to the dietary choices, tooth loss can affect the nutrition because of improper chewing and biting of the food. If the food is not broken down in the stomach, then it becomes hard for the body to extract nutrients out of it.

Many people try to fit dentures on their own. When dentures do not fit properly, they begin to slide in the mouth and may slip out. This may cause an embarrassing situation. It is essential to fix your dentures under your dentist’s guidance. Consult your dentist today if you need dentures.