If you have lost your natural teeth due to damage, decay or injury, dentures can replace your missing teeth and restore your smile. These offer a natural looking solution, enhancing your appearance and benefiting your health.
Missing teeth can cause the facial muscles to droop, causing a person to look older than they actually are. With the support from replacement teeth, you will appear youthful while being able to enjoy food and speak comfortably, just as if you still had your natural teeth.
You will look and feel your best, so you can enjoy the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile.
What are Dentures?
These are removable false teeth that are worn to replace missing teeth. These artificial teeth are generally made of acrylic and designed to best match your natural teeth. The base is called a plate and is usually made of either acrylic or metal. Teeth can be taken out and put back into the mouth, and they are available as either full or partial set, depending on how many teeth need to be restored. Today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.
Candidates
Ideal candidates for complete set will have experienced significant tooth loss and be missing most or all of their teeth. A partial set is suitable for those who still have some natural teeth remaining. There are several factors that warrant this option, even for younger people. There is no age limit on having a beautiful, healthy smile!
Types Available
Whether you are missing one, two or all of your natural teeth, your dentist can create comfortable and natural looking complete or partials to restore your smile.
Complete
Full or complete dentures replace all of the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws. These suit patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth.
Partial
Partial dentures fill in the spaces left by lost or missing teeth and are attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. These suit patients who have lost just one or a few of their natural teeth and wish to fill in the gap(s) left behind.
What are the Differences Between Conventional & Immediate?
Conventional dentures are moulded over the mouth cavity once the teeth have been removed and the gums have had several weeks to heal, whereas immediate dentures are moulded over the gums immediately after the teeth are removed.
A Conventional set may leave you toothless for over a month, but having them moulded to your healed gums ensures a perfectly comfortable fit inside the mouth cavity.
An Immediate set offers the appeal of having your new teeth straight away, although because they have been moulded to your gums before they have had a chance to heal and take their final shape, you will be required to visit your dentist for adjustments to ensure they fit in the mouth properly. This can result in ill-fitting and uncomfortable teeth, and a higher cost for modifications in the long run.
If the idea of being without teeth for several weeks is too uncomfortable for you, an immediate set will ensure you are confident with your appearance right after your tooth removal. If you wish to save money and receive a set that fits perfectly inside your healed mouth, a conventional set is the solution for you.
What Do False Teeth Feel Like?
It may take a couple of weeks for you to get used to your dentures. During this time, they may feel awkward and uncomfortable as you learn to speak and eat with them. Your mouth will become accustomed to your new teeth with time, and it is important to remember that although they may feel a bit strange at first, they still look great to everyone else!
Will I Look Different?
These teeth are designed to look as similar to your natural teeth as possible, making them almost unnoticeable. They will improve the appearance of your smile and resolve any facial sagging caused by missing teeth.
Will it Be Difficult to Eat?
As your tongue and mouth get used to your new teeth, eating may take some practice at first. It is advised that you begin with softer foods cut into small pieces, and ensure you chew with both sides of your teeth at the same time. Eventually, you will feel comfortable returning to your normal diet without a second thought, but it is important to remain cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp bones or shells.
Do I Need to Wear Them 24/7?
Within the first couple of weeks of receiving your new teeth, you will be advised to wear them almost constantly, even when you sleep. After this initial period, it is advised that you remove them at night while you sleep to allow the gum tissue to rest and encourage normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva.
Should I Use Adhesive?
Adhesive can be used to increase the feeling of security and give you peace of mind that your new teeth will stay in place all day. Well-fitting teeth can benefit from this additional retention, but adhesive is not the solution for ill-fitting teeth. If they feel loose or cause irritation and sores, it is advised that you consult your dentist for amendments.
Are Adhesives Safe?
When used correctly, adhesives are perfectly safe. It is only when used excessively for ill-fitting teeth that adhesives can cause harm to underlying gums and tissues of the mouth.
Can I Make Minor Adjustments?
Always consult your dentist if you wish to make adjustments. If a person who lacks the proper training makes any adjustments or repairs, it could seriously damage them and harm your health.
If your new teeth break, crack or chip, or if one of the teeth suddenly becomes loose, your dentist can often make the necessary adjustments or repairs on the same day. Never attempt to solve the problem yourself.
How Long Do They Last?
If cared for properly, they are expected to last up to 5-8 years before needing replacement. During this time, they wear out and your mouth changes shape. This is why they will eventually need to be relined or remade to remain as safe, comfortable and natural looking as possible.
Daily Care
It is important to be very careful to avoid dropping and breaking them. You must also brush and rinse them daily with a special cleaner to remove any bacteria. The general rule of thumb is to brush, soak, and brush again. Brushing before soaking them helps to remove any food debris.
Effervescent cleaner will help to remove stubborn stains and leave your new teeth feeling fresh and clean. Following this, you should then brush them again, as you would your own teeth, being careful not to scrub too hard as this can leave marks.
Most dentists recommend using a small- to medium-headed toothbrush and toothpaste. Make sure you clean all the surfaces including the surface that comes into contact with your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of adhesive. If you notice a build up of stains or scale, get professional cleaning by your Smile approved dentist.
How to Look After Your Mouth
Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital, even when wearing your new teeth. You should brush your gums, the roof of your mouth and your tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush every day to keep your mouth clean and healthy and stimulate circulation in your mouth.
Patients with partials need to brush their teeth thoroughly twice a day to prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can result in losing further teeth.
How Often Will I Need to See a Dentist?
Your dentist will advise as to how often you should visit, but it is generally recommended that you return every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning to maintain good oral health so you can continue wearing your new teeth with a smile.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Dental implants are becoming a popular alternative to restoring teeth as they more closely resemble the feel of natural teeth. They are, however, more expensive than dentures, and they require a strong and healthy gum and jawbone for implantation, so not everyone is a candidate for this treatment.
Your Smile approved dentist can assess your individual circumstances and recommend the best solution for you.
