How Dentures Can Save Your Mouth
It isn’t a farfetched conclusion that dentures can save your mouth in every aspect. Many people think that dentures are simply used to replace missing teeth, but this isn’t the entire case.
At Shadow Creek Ranch Dental Specialists in Pearland, we understand that dentures help with the aesthetics, comfort, and health of the mouth. There are numerous reasons why teeth are missing in a person’s mouth. It could be from injury, dental tooth removal, or even bad hygiene. Whatever the reason, having them replaced with false teeth is a tried and tested method to returning to normalcy in your everyday routine.
What Can Dentures Do for Me?
The removable oral appliances have the ability to make your smile as beautiful as it ever was, and even more so. But more than concerning the aesthetic sense, here are several other denture-related benefits:
- Eat with ease and comfort
- Speak more clearly
- Remove the sagginess in the face from missing teeth
- Make your appearance younger by lifting the profile
- Increase the comfort of the mouth
Dr. Daniela Adeola, prosthodontist for Shadow Creek Ranch Dental Specialists, warns that when a person loses their teeth, their gums start to melt away, which affects the cheek muscles. This causes the cheeks, the fullness of the lips, and the face to sink inwardly. She says this can be combatted with dentures.
“[With dentures] I can recreate that youthful look that the patient used to have,” she says. “For a man, they can look very virile. And for a woman, I can soften the look a little bit. I love dentures because I can create for the patient what they want.”
How Many Types of Dentures Are There?
As technology rapidly progresses in the dental field, prosthodontics are becoming more innovative. There are several versions of dentures to choose from: conventional, immediate, and overdenture.
- Conventional – This is a common type of denture, though it does require a long waiting period before attaining them. It is used once the remaining teeth are removed, but only after the gums have healed, which may take several months.
- Immediate – There is no waiting period for these dentures. Once the teeth are removed, these are placed within the mouth. Since it is a quick adjustment, you may need to come back into the office for a realignment as your jaw and gums heal.
- Overdenture – Not to be confused with implants, these dentures can be used even if there are still healthy teeth in the mouth. The dentist simply builds the dentures to fit around and/or over the remaining teeth.
Do I Have to Treat Dentures Like Real Teeth?
The short answer is yes. Although they are not inside your gums, nor will they get cavities, they can stain and accumulate food buildup. For this reason, you need to brush your dentures with a soft bristle toothbrush to keep from scratching them. Also, place them in water for at least four out of every 24 hours. The easiest and most appropriate time is at night while in bed. This will keep them from warping.
Although you may no longer have natural teeth, this doesn’t mean the toothbrush is solely for your dentures. You will still need to brush your gums, cheeks, roof of the mouth and tongue to fight against plaque and bad breath.
If you have lost many or all of your teeth, it is time for you to find out how prosthodontics can help you in your everyday life. Contact one of the Houston area’s best dental offices at Shadow Creek Ranch Dental Specialists in Pearland.