What are Dentures?
Dentures are a removable frame holding artificial teeth made of acrylic. This frame is inserted into the mouth to replace natural teeth and provide support for the cheeks and lips. There are many different types of dentures available such as complete, partial, and snap-on dentures.
Complete dentures are designed to replace all of your teeth, and can either be “conventional” or “immediate.” Conventional dentures are fabricated after the patient’s teeth have been removed and their gum tissue has begun to heal. These dentures can only be placed in the mouth between eight and 12 weeks after the patient’s teeth have been removed. Immediate dentures, on the other hand, are made beforehand and are ready to be put in place as soon as the patient’s teeth are removed.
If you still have some teeth remaining, then you would a candidate for partial dentures. Partial dentures consist of artificial replacement teeth attached to a plastic base or metal framework that holds them in place inside your mouth. Besides replacing any missing teeth, partial dentures can help keep your remaining natural teeth from shifting.
Snap-on dentures, otherwise known as implant-supported dentures, are removable dentures that snap onto at least two dental implants. An attachment on top of each implant enables these types of dentures to snap into place and stay secure during chewing.
Living with Dentures
For those who have never had dentures before, the transition to living with dentures can take some adjusting to. To make things easier on you, here are some basic tips for caring for your dentures:
- Keep wearing your dentures even if they feel awkward. Your mouth will need time to adapt. If adjustments do need to be made, simply contact your dentist.
- Be careful when you start eating with dentures
- Eat soft foods and chew slowly
- Cut your food into tiny pieces
- Chew using both sides of your mouth
- Try and avoid hard or sticky foods
- If you have difficulty speaking after you get dentures, get used to how they feel in your mouth by reading aloud
- Clean your dentures every day
- Use a denture cleanser and denture brush
- Be sure to take your dentures out when you go to sleep so your gums can take a break while you rest
Do you need dentures?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Prashant Sinha today!