Dentures 101: All You Should Know

Over the years, dentures have been known as an oral solution for old people. Aging results in loss of teeth which is why elderly people need dentures to go on about the functions of the mouth. However, in modern dentistry, dentures are readily available as a solution for all people. Given that anyone can lose their permanent set of teeth at any point in life, it is important to have a treatment option that can meet that need.

What Are Dentures?

They are appliances used in dentistry to replace missing teeth they feature a set of artificial teeth attached to gum-shaped plastic material. Usually, dentures are used for the replacement of multiple teeth, especially where the number exceeds 4 teeth. These prosthetic devices are supported by the gum tissues and the jawbone. Ideally, dentures are removable, allowing the patient to wear them at free will.

Why Do You Need dentures?

Dentures are specifically made for replacing multiple missing teeth. Some of the reasons why one would lose teeth include:

• An injury – it is one of the major reasons for people losing teeth. It can be a sports injury or a car accident.
• Aging – with age, teeth grow weaker, and they are likely to fall off over time.
• Medical conditions – some health issues can weaken the tooth structure, causing them to fall off.
• Medication – some drug prescriptions can damage teeth and bone structure, for example, chemotherapy.

Types of Dentures

Dentures types vary, like all other dental appliances. The different types include:

• Complete dentures – they are used to replace all teeth in a mouth. Complete dentures are offered to patients who do not have any natural teeth missing on either arc of the mouth. In most cases, complete dentures have been used for old people, who have lost all teeth. However, they are not limited to them. For complete dentures. They are further categorized into 2 different types:
  • Immediate dentures – they are pre-made for an immediate restoration. Once you visit your dentist for teeth replacement, immediate dentures are offered immediately. The downside to immediate dentures is their fit. Since they are pre-made, they do not offer the perfect fit.
  • Conventional dentures – these have to be made specifically for the unique needs of a patient. During your first visit to your dentist, the dentures will not be ready. Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth to come up with a customized size of dentures. Afterward, you have to wait a couple of days for your dentures to be readied. The greatest advantage of conventional dentures is that they allow your mouth ample time to heal. This way, any shrinkage of the gums following the healing period will be accounted for during your denture-fitting.
• Partial dentures – they are an alternative for patients who have multiple missing teeth but still have other teeth remaining. The replacement artificial teeth are attached to a gum-like plastic base that is then fixed to your mouth. In some cases, the partial dentures come with metal frameworks that help them stay put in the mouth. Still, partial dentures are removable.
  Implant-supported dentures – they are very big in the 21st century. Some people would rather have permanent dentures, for more stability. In that case, a dentist will use dental implants to support the dentures and hold them in place. Implant-supported dentures are used as either complete or partial dentures.

Dentures Cost

Now that you know about the different types of dentures, it is normal to worry about the cost. A commonly asked question is whether dental insurances provide a cover for dentures. Most dental insurances cover denture costs. Some cover the entire cost, while some cover the costs partially.

Adjusting to Dentures

Once you get your new set of dentures, they will not feel natural. For the most part, your gums will feel sore, particularly within the first few days after getting them. Your mouth will feel heavy as you adjust to having them. However, as you get used to wearing the dentures, you won’t even notice the difference. Some of the other issues you should anticipate soon after getting dentures include the following:

• Increased saliva flow
• Sore gums
• Bulkiness in your mouth
• Difficulties talking and eating