Get to Know Your Dentures Before You Get Them

Dentures are a common solution for people who have lost some or all of their teeth due to injury, decay, or other reasons. They are removable prosthetic devices that mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. If you're considering getting dentures, it's important to understand the types of dentures available, how they're made, and how to care for them. In this article, we'll provide a guide to understanding dentures before you get them.

Types of Dentures

There are several types of dentures available, including:

Complete Dentures: These are used when all of the natural teeth are missing from the upper or lower jaw. Complete dentures can be conventional or immediate, depending on whether they are placed immediately after tooth extraction or after the gum tissue has had time to heal.

Partial Dentures: These are used when some natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures attach to the remaining teeth with metal or acrylic clasps.

Implant-Supported Dentures: These are attached to dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures provide greater stability and can be used for both complete and partial dentures.

How Dentures Are Made

The process of getting dentures involves several steps, including:

Dental Impressions: Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth using a special dental putty. These impressions will be used to create a mold of your mouth that will be used to make your dentures.

Bite Registration: Your dentist will also take a bite registration to determine how your upper and lower teeth fit together when you bite down. This information will be used to create a customized bite for your dentures.

Try-In: Once your dentures have been created, you'll have a try-in appointment to ensure that they fit properly and feel comfortable in your mouth.

Final Fitting: After any necessary adjustments are made, your dentist will provide you with your final dentures.

Caring for Your Dentures

Proper care and maintenance are essential to the longevity and effectiveness of your dentures. Here are some tips for caring for your dentures:

Clean Your Dentures Daily: Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and damage your dentures.

Soak Your Dentures Overnight: Soak your dentures in a denture solution overnight to help remove stains and bacteria.

Handle Your Dentures with Care: Be gentle when handling your dentures, as they can be fragile and break easily.

Keep Your Mouth Clean: Brush your gums, tongue, and palate every day to keep your mouth healthy and prevent bad breath.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental check-ups are important for maintaining the health of your mouth and ensuring the proper fit of your dentures.

Conclusion

Dentures can provide a practical and effective solution for people with missing teeth, but it's important to understand the types of dentures available, how they're made, and how to care for them. Complete and partial dentures, as well as implant-supported dentures, offer different options depending on your needs. The process of getting dentures involves dental impressions, bite registration, try-in, and final fitting. Proper care and maintenance, including daily cleaning, soaking overnight, gentle handling, and regular dental check-ups, are essential to the longevity and effectiveness of your dentures. By understanding and following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of dentures and maintain good oral health.