If you’re missing all or most of your teeth, then getting dentures could be a major step toward restoring the look, feel, and function of your smile. Deciding to get dentures, however, can be a big decision. We want to make sure you have all of the information you need to make the right decision with our dentists about whether dentures are best for you.
6 Questions to Ask Before You Get Dentures
1. What Kinds of Dentures Are There?
Modern dentures are designed to be highly personalized and customizable to offer patients a natural fit, feel, and look.
As a result, there are several different types of dentures that provide patients with a variety of tooth-replacement options. There are full dentures, partial dentures, permanently fixed dentures, and removable dentures. The type of denture that is best for you depends on your dental health, bone structure, specific needs, personal preferences, and how many of your teeth are missing.
2. What Will Happen If I Don’t Get Dentures?
There are many ways that missing all or most of your teeth can have a negative effect on a person’s life.
If you are not missing all of your teeth and are in need of a partial denture, failing to get one could be harmful to your remaining teeth. They could drift out of place, develop malocclusion, and even suffer as a result of the jawbone deteriorating around their roots.
Additionally, missing all or most of your teeth can make it difficult to continue enjoying your favorite foods. In fact, it can make it difficult simply to eat, which means not getting dentures can be detrimental to your diet and the nutrition you receive. Missing teeth also change a person’s appearance and can make it challenging to speak normally, which can have a negative effect on self-esteem.
3. Are Dentures the Best Treatment Option for Me?
Dentures used to be the only treatment option available for replacing missing teeth. Today, modern dentistry offers several tooth-replacement options and even a variety of choices in different types of dentures that can provide you with a solution that’s perfect for your lifestyle, oral health goals, and budget.
After examining your teeth and consulting with you, our dentists can help you select the treatment option that best meets your needs.
4. How Do Dentures Work?
Traditional dentures are formed from soft, gum-colored plastic and natural-looking teeth that are designed to fit each patient’s individual, unique oral anatomy. The bottom dentures hug the gums of the bottom dental arch, and the top denture forms a suction to the roof of the mouth, covering the top dental arch and hard palate.
Other types of dentures are secured in the mouth in different ways. For example, some snap onto or are permanently affixed to dental implants that are anchored in the patient’s jawbone.
5. How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Wearing Dentures?
Depending on the type of dentures you get, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months for patients to fully adjust to wearing dentures and have them feel completely natural.
When a patient first starts wearing dentures, our dentists always provide them with tips, tricks, denture wear techniques, denture adhesive product recommendations, and denture care instructions to ensure a smooth transition.
When first wearing dentures, some minor soreness can be normal while your muscles adjust to working your new dental appliance. However, if you experience any more extensive discomfort when you first start wearing dentures or notice much slipping, we encourage you to schedule an adjustment appointment. Your dentures should have a snug fit that does not cause you any pain or discomfort.
6. How Long Do Dentures Last?
Dentures can be incredibly long-lasting. However, they do usually need to be adjusted, repaired, or replaced with time and use. This occurs as a result of normal wear and tear and also due to the fact that every person’s mouth changes slowly over time. The jawbone can begin to deteriorate with age and musculature can also change.
As a result, you might need a denture adjustment or a new pair of dentures to ensure you continue enjoying a set of dentures that fit comfortably and feel natural in your mouth.
Dentures and More Teeth Replacement Options at Eastgate Dental Excellence
At Eastgate Dental Excellence, we offer a variety of tooth replacement options including full and partial dentures, implant-supported dentures, all-on-4, dental bridges, and dental implants.
To learn about all of your options for replacing your teeth and restoring your smile, we encourage you to schedule a smile restoration consultation with one of our dentists at Eastgate Dental Excellence today. We can examine your teeth, talk with you about your goals, and answer any questions you might have to help you determine the best tooth-replacement option to meet your unique needs.