- Dentures are artificial replacements for missing teeth, available as either complete dentures for a full arch or partial dentures for one or more missing teeth. They restore the ability to chew and speak, can improve facial appearance, and are either removable or implant-supported. While initially difficult to get used to, with proper care and maintenance, they are a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth.
Types of dentures
- Replace all teeth in an entire arch (upper or lower).
- Conventional: Made after the teeth have been extracted and the gums have healed.
- Immediate: Placed immediately after teeth are extracted, so the patient doesn’t have to go without teeth.
- Partial Dentures: Replace one or more missing teeth while some natural teeth remain. They are held in place by a framework that attaches to the remaining teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: A more stable option where dentures are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone.
Advantages
- Restores function: Dentures help restore the ability to chew and speak normally.
- Improves appearance: They can fill out the face and restore a natural-looking smile, preventing the sunken look that can result from missing teeth.
- Prevents other teeth from shifting: Partial dentures prevent remaining teeth from shifting into the gaps left by missing teeth.
Care and maintenance
- Daily cleaning: Dentures should be brushed daily with a soft-bristle brush and a mild soap or denture cleaner, not toothpaste.
- Soaking: They should be soaked in water or a denture-cleaning solution overnight to prevent them from drying out and warping.
- Mouth care: Rinse your mouth daily without the dentures in place to clean the gums and tongue.
- Handling: Handle with care, as they are fragile.
Disadvantages
- Discomfort and pain: Dentures, especially when new or ill-fitting, can cause soreness, irritation, and pain as they rub against the gums.
- Eating and chewing difficulties: Dentures can be less efficient for chewing certain foods and may slip while eating, requiring you to adapt your diet.
- Speech problems: It can take time to get used to dentures, and you may experience speech difficulties while adjusting to them.
- Shifting and instability: Traditional removable dentures can shift, slip, or wobble when you talk or chew, which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Long-term effects
- Jawbone loss: Without tooth roots to stimulate the bone, the jawbone gradually deteriorates, leading to instability and a “sunken-in” facial appearance over time.
- Ill-fitting dentures: As the jawbone shrinks, dentures begin to lose their fit, causing discomfort, reduced stability, and difficulty with retention.
- Need for relining or replacement: Over time, dentures will need to be relined or replaced to maintain a proper and comfortable fit.
Other considerations
- Maintenance: Dentures require daily cleaning and care, and some types need to be removed for soaking and brushing.
- Adaptation period: It takes time to get used to dentures, and you may need several adjustments during the first few weeks or months.
