Dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. This may be required in the event that you have lost your natural teeth from gum disease, tooth decay or injury. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Facial muscles sag without support from a denture which makes a person look older.
You will also be able to eat and speak, things that people often take for granted until they have lost their natural teeth.
WHAT IS A DENTURE?
A denture is an appliance which is worn to replace lost or missing teeth. The base of a denture is called a plate and can be made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. The teeth are normally made of acrylic and can be made to match your natural teeth. A complete or full denture is one which replaces all of the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws.
A partial denture fills in the spaces created by lost or missing teeth and is attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or deVices called precision attachments.
Replacing lost or missing teeth has substantial benefits for your health and appearance. A complete or full denture replaces the natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips. Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person appear older and reduce their ability to eat and speak.
WHO NEEDS A DENTURE?
Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.
WHAT WILL DENTURES FEEL LIKE?
New dentures may feel awkward or even uncomfortable for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place.
It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness during this period. You may also find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should diminish.
WILL DENTURES MAKE ME LOOK DIFFERENT?
Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change in appearance will be noticeable. Modern dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face and profile.
WILL I BE ABLE TO EAT WITH MY DENTUERS?
Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the denture from moving. As you become more used to your denture, add other foods until you return to your normal diet.
Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY DENTURES?
The general rule is brush, soak, and brush. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking to help remove any food debris. The use of an effervescent denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher - always follow the manufacturers' instructions - then brush the dentures again, as you would your own teeth, being careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss dentures at our Geelong Dentist Clinic you can call us on 1300 657 033 to schedule an appointment at the Geelong Dentist Clinic.