Dentures are a set of artificial teeth and are used to replace
your natural ones. They are aesthetically very pleasing and
removable as well. There are two types of dentures; namely
complete dentures and partial dentures.
What are the advantages of dentures?
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Dentures restore the functionality of the mouth. People with
dentures can comfortably bite and chew food.
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They restore the natural shape of the cheeks and the lips.
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They look exactly like natural teeth. Hence, you wouldn't feel
embarrassed for wearing dentures as they're almost
indistinguishable from natural teeth.
- They help to improve your speech.
- They are removable.
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Cleaning your dentures is very easy. They can be removed,
brushed like natural teeth and put back on.
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They are pretty comfortable and do not tend to get displaced in
the mouth.
What are complete dentures and partial dentures?
Complete dentures are used when one has lost all of his/her teeth.
Complete dentures can either be conventional or immediate.
Conventional dentures: The dentist removes the natural teeth and
the wounds are allowed to heal. After the wounds heal, a precise
mold of the mouth is taken for fabricating the dentures. The
dentures will be made and ready in a few weeks.
Immediate dentures: Immediate dentures can be worn even before the
wounds heal. A mold will be taken a few weeks before the teeth are
removed and sent to the dental laboratory for fabrication. After
the teeth have been extracted, the dentures can be worn and the
wounds would be allowed to heal. The advantage with immediate
dentures is that the patient wouldn't have to go without teeth
even for a few days.
Partial dentures are customized according to the patient's
requirement. Getting multiple dental implants wouldn't be a good
option when many teeth are lost, and hence, partial dentures would
be the best option in such cases.
How are dentures made?
Dentures are usually made of acrylic. But, metals and composites
are also used to make dentures. If any teeth have to be extracted
prior to getting dentures, the dentist extracts them. A highly
precise mold of the teeth will be taken and sent to a dental
laboratory, where the dentures will be made. The dentist would
place them in your mouth and check for fit and comfort. Based on
your feedback, any changes required will be made immediately.
Care of dentures
Dentures must be cared for just like you care for your natural
teeth. They must regularly be removed and brushed to get rid of
all the bacteria and food particles that are stuck in between the
teeth. This would also prevent staining. Initially, the dentures
may feel uncomfortable. But, with regular use, you eventually get
used to them. Visiting the dentist regularly is necessary to
monitor the change in the fit of your dentures and to adjust them
accordingly.