The Ultimate Guide to Getting Dentures
You’ve been putting off getting dentures for a while now. We know that it can be hard to make a decision. We want you to know that there are many options out there, and we’re here to help you find what works best for you. We want this process of getting dentures to be as easy as possible so that you don’t have any regrets in the future.
What Are Dentures and the Different Types
Dentures are surgically fitted removable teeth replacements. They can be either full or partial fittings. Dentures offer many benefits to their wearers. Most noticeably, the improved ability to speak and chew food. They can be considered in two different processes. One is denture treatment followed by gum treatment. The other, an isolated procedure with no requirement for prior gum treatment.
The two major types are complete (or full) dentures and partial (or semi partial) dentures. Complete dentures compensate for lost teeth on both the upper and lower sets of teeth. Partial ones take care only of some of the missing teeth on either the upper or lower set, but not both. Quadrants are how dentists refer to the sections of your mouth. They are usually referred to as upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left. This is how your partial dentures may be referred to.
Complete dentures are either made of acrylic or a combination of plastic and metal. Typically, they include some sort of dental cement that holds them in place. Partial dentures can be created in a couple of different ways. They can be created from porcelain bonded to the plastic. They can also take the form of clasps on titanium frames that attach to existing teeth at both ends. These can be applied to both your upper or lower jaw.
The History of Dentures
The first known denture was found around 700 BC on a Babylonian tomb. The mandible shows signs of being sculpted to resemble the wearer’s original jaw structure. The only problem was that it lacked any means of attachment. Making it technically similar to reconstructive maxillofacial surgery rather than a true dental prosthesis. However, such crude early attempts at dentures often led to problems with pronouncing words, as well as swallowing food, which could lead to health problems.
The first true denture was made in 1814 by a French prosthodontist named Jean Pierre Fauchard. He created the device to replace his masticated teeth which he lost as an old man. In 1817, Dr. John Long invented a full-mouth false plate that could be used on its own or with removable teeth. In 1828, a New York dentist named Dr. Levi Spear Parmly made the first American-made dentures that used dental wax to provide a denture adhesive surface for teeth clasps and metal plates.
It was not until the 1840s, when rubber became more widely available in America, that dentists were able to make better quality devices. Since then, they have progressed significantly. The ones made today are much more durable and comfortable than those made in the past.
Who Can Use Dentures
Comfort never looked so good! Dentures are usually made to replace lost teeth, but they can also be placed on a toothless jaw or to replace tooth decay. In general, they can help people chew their food and speak more clearly.
More specifically, the primary objective of dentures is to bring the upper and lower teeth together for improved chewing ability. There are many other advantages that people will experience with denture treatment, such as less risk for tooth decay and gum disease because they won’t come in contact with bacteria in your mouth. Protein molecules tend to cling better onto gums with some form of protection like crowns or guardrails from plaque when you have intact natural teeth.
People who are older in age will also be able to eat a wider variety of food because dentures typically allow patients to bite into harder, smaller pieces. They are not for everyone, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to dental care treatment.
Denture wearers may have teeth that are too short, worn out from grinding, or too crowded to make them a good candidate for implants. Other people who may be able to wear dentures include those with gum disease, missing teeth, and even some forms of bone loss (such as in the skull). People without upper front teeth can wear an overdenture that will attach on top of the gum line. An overdenture will also help those who wear dentures by providing them with a better seal between the teeth and gums, which can prevent gas from escaping during the chewing process.
Alternatives to Dentures
The two main alternatives to getting dentures are dental implants and a dental bridge. Dental implants are customized to adhere to the patient’s jawbone or gum with metal posts. A dental bridge consists of a false tooth supported by replacement teeth on either side of the space in need of filling.
Implants require one-touch surgery and secure the anchor for false teeth directly into the jaw, causing less inflammation that may affect neighboring teeth. Dental implants are not eligible for all cases, which may cause patients to need to use dental bridges as an alternative because more work is needed for them to be completed.
On the other hand, bridges are more affordable, and they can also improve a patient’s appearance by replacing missing teeth with artificial ones, in an effort to keep their smile looking natural. Patients who need dental implants typically have dentures as well because of how difficult it is to eat without teeth on top.
Dental bridges are not suited for patients who need dentures because it is difficult to wear them at the same time. Depending on a person’s oral health, dental implants can be more expensive than getting dentures or a bridge. In general, implant treatments cost anywhere from $3,000-$10,000, whereas an average set of dentures costs around $1,500.
Regardless of which treatment you choose, it is best to consult with a dental professional first so that they can help determine what the most suitable choice would be for your individual needs.
How Are Dentures Made
The surface of the denture can be made from a variety of chemicals depending on the materials available. Components include but are not limited to acrylic, rubber, and zinc alloy (manufactured iron). Trays mold and fill spaces in between your gumlines where dentists would usually extract teeth through root canal surgery, which could be painful.
A denture is essentially made up of two parts which are the base plate and the clasps that hold it in place. It will have dental impression material on either side to create cavities for teeth which make it look like a real set of teeth when everything is in alignment and fitted properly.
The natural coloration is created by spraying an enamel or clear coating onto the denture before baking at higher temperatures so that it hardens into its final form. This removes plaque buildup over time. The denture is then cooled and polished to a finish that will last for years. A properly fitting denture should not slide around in your mouth, slip out of the clasps or be too tight against the gums. It also should not cause any pain, such as sore spots on the inside of your cheeks.
How Long Will They Last
How long your dentures last will depend entirely on your lifestyle and your oral hygiene. Generally speaking, dentures last 2 to 5 years and could produce bad breath if not carefully maintained.
If they start feeling loose or fitting poorly, think about getting them rechecked by your dentist. You may need adjustments that will help keep them in good shape for as long as possible and ensure a comfortable fit. A fairly recent development in dentistry is the use of implant-retained dentures as substitutes. They can be placed immediately after an implant has been surgically inserted into the jawbone for support.
The aesthetic quality of these dentures tends to surpass that of traditional complete or partial dentures as gaps in between teeth dissolve, and attractive new edgaes develop around corners of the mouth and lips.
Will Dentures Change How I Eat and Speak?
Dentures do not change how you speak or the way your mouth moves. They only hold food in place, making it easier to chew and swallow. When wearing dentures, the person will still be able to move their tongue and lips, but they may need a little extra help from time to time when speaking with other people with certain words that rely on complete lip closure like for example “s,” “f,” or “th” sounds where both lips are together as if you were going to blow out a birthday candle.
How you eat and speak will be more affected when you do not have any dentures or replacements than if you do have dentures. Many people report full dentures make their lips feel pushed forward. This can be an adjustment to wearing dentures for the first time.
How Much Do Dentures Traditionally Cost?
Dentures can range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the type. One common misconception is that removable dentures are more affordable than fixed dental implants. In reality, it’s actually the opposite.
Removable dentures are more expensive because they require a lot of maintenance and need to be replaced every 4-7 years. Fixed dental implants last a lifetime without needing replacement teeth – typically, with only maintenance visits every 6 months or so are required – which makes them more affordable in the long run.
Learning How to Live With Dentures
Whether you are getting full dentures, replacement teeth, dental implants, or partial dentures, it will take some getting used to. As long as you consider all your options and consult your doctor, you will find the right dental replacement that you need. Contact us to see if you need dentures for your next visit.
