Types of Dentures - False Teeth Dentures

The loss of teeth can be a traumatic event that leads to diminished self-confidence, oral hygiene problems, and chewing difficulties. You use your mouth several times a day, so ideally a lost tooth needs to be replaced with something that is safe, comfortable, and functional. To that end, dentures have been used throughout human history as an indefinite tooth replacement in the event of disease or injury resulting in loss of teeth.

Dentures are removable implants that simulate the look and function of the tooth and its surrounding tissue. Most dentures are constructed with acrylic resins along with some composite material. There are two major types of dentures. The full denture replaces an entire jaw's worth of teeth, while a partial denture only replaces single or multiple teeth where there are still healthy teeth present. Full dentures can be put in place after a surgery to remove all teeth in the jaw, but the usual practice involves waiting for the gums to properly heal. A partial denture also serves as a spacer to prevent the living teeth from shifting position.

Most patients with full dentures are in their later years and have lost most of their teeth. Patients with partial dentures are usually people who have lost a tooth to gum disease or injury. Nearly all patients receiving dentures find that their chewing improves, their oral hygiene becomes better, and their speech clears up. Importantly, dentures can also drastically improve your smile.

Dentures are specially made for each patient s unique anatomy. Several dental appointments are required to develop a working model of the final product. Following many weeks of work, the patient receives a new set of teeth. They may initially feel awkward, no matter how well they fit you. The fact remains that it is not a living part of your mouth and it will feel foreign to you. However, after a brief period of adjustment, most people don't even notice that they're wearing the dentures anymore.

Cleaning your dentures is just as important as cleaning your real teeth. A set of dentures should be removed and brushed at least once a day with a denture brush and denture cleanser. Patients are advised to keep their dentures in place overnight for a while, but after the adjustment period is over they are advised to soak the dentures in cleansing fluid while sleeping. This method improves the health of your gums, so that they have time to be properly exposed to the normal oral environment.

Regular checkups with your dentist are encouraged in order to track changing conditions in your mouth. Should your teeth shift or your bones change shape over time, you will need a new set. Dentures have been around for ages, and are a proven way to replace lost teeth. If you require dentures, please contact a dentist for a consultation.