Dentures

The quest for the perfect replacement for decayed or lost teeth has been going on for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of what we now call dentures has been dated to around 700 B.C. These "false teeth" were made of skillfully carved ivory and bits of polished animal bone. This level of technology was lost, however, during the medieval period, when famine and disease, rather than a beautiful smile, were the main challenges to worry about. Back then missing teeth were expected and accepted; even those in higher social classes had them. Queen Elizabeth I often filled the holes in her smile with small strips of cloth to improve her appearance in public. If you were fortunate enough to obtain a set of dentures, they were usually hand-carved and tied in place with silk threads or thin metal wires. The "dental practitioners" of the time were goldsmiths, instrument tuners, or physicians.

Dentistry sure has come a long way!

The Right Denture For You

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth.  It is made of an acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metal alloys. A complete denture replaces all the teeth, while a partial denture bridges the gaps created by missing teeth. A denture also prevents remaining teeth from changing position and sliding into the spaces left by missing teeth. An over-denture is a denture that fits over a few remaining natural teeth or dental implants. A conventional denture is a denture that is crafted and placed after the remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed. An immediate denture is a denture that is placed immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth.  This type of denture is not recommended for everyone, however, as risk of complications and infection increases if the mouth is not allowed to heal properly.

Ideally, your new denture will relieve mouth pain caused by damaged teeth as well enhance your ability to eat. It will also help you feel more confident by improving your appearance and speech. Whether you receive a partial denture or a complete denture you will notice improvement in your overall appearance and lifestyle, and both denture options are very affordable. At first, your new dentures may feel awkward. They might feel loose and bulky until your cheek and tongue muscles learn to hold them in position. Minor irritation or soreness of the gums, cheeks, and tongue are common, but this initial discomfort will subside. The denture patient should see his or her dentist for regular fit adjustments to alleviate any sore areas.

Eating with dentures will take some practice. Patients should start with soft foods that are cut into small pieces. As you become used to chewing, you can return to your normal diet.There are several eating restrictions for denture wearers, however. You should avoid biting down directly on hard foods like whole apples, hard pretzels, crusty bread, or large sandwiches. These types of foods can break the denture.

There are a couple of options when it comes to a comfortable denture.  Porcelain and plastic dentures are very comparable in durability, esthetics, wear, and cost. After meeting with us you will know which type of denture is right for you. If your mouth has insufficient bone structure, however, wearing dentures will be more difficult. Mini dental implants may be advisable in this case. These implants are placed directly in the jawbone and hold the denture in place with precision attachments.

There is no set time frame for denture replacement. Some people have worn their denture for more than 20 years. On average, however, dentists and prosthodontists, recommend replacing your denture every 4 to 8 years. Each individual's needs are different. If you have had a denture for a while it may be time to visit us to find out if you are in need of a new set. Since our bodies are always changing, it makes sense that your denture will need to be checked periodically for the best fit.

Denture Care and Good Oral Hygiene

When cleaning your dentures, you should first rinse away loose food particles thoroughly. Then moisten your toothbrush and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing carefully to avoid damage. Your denture should be cleaned 2 to 3 times each day. Further, taking good care of your mouth is essential if you wear complete or partial dentures. Establishing the habit of brushing your gums, tongue, and palate every day with a soft toothbrush will ensure good oral and denture health.