Missing teeth can create a lot of difficulties for a person. Whether eating, speaking or smiling, we need our teeth for all activities. Therefore, it is essential to have a healthy set of teeth for our well-being. Loss of teeth not only impacts one's day-to-day life but also lowers self-confidence. When one loses permanent teeth, it is impossible to bring them back. However, it doesn't mean that the person should live with such inconvenience. You can treat tooth loss with several possible solutions and have your teeth function like natural teeth.
Dentures: The Replacement For Teeth
Modern dentistry has advanced solutions to treat the problem of missing teeth. Some of them are so perfect that no one except you and your dentist can tell the difference between real and natural teeth. Following are the prominent treatments that people look out for:
Dental Implants
When there is the need to replace a single tooth, or many teeth in several areas in your mouth, dental implants are the best option. The dentist will mount a metal post made of titanium in this treatment in your jaw. A replacement tooth will sit on the implant and hold it in place. The dentist creates a permanent foundation for the prosthetic tooth in the dental implant process.
Fixed Dental Bridge
If one or more teeth from the same area need replacement, a fixed dental bridge is an effective treatment option. It connects the gap caused by teeth loss and fills it with artificial teeth. In this process, the prosthetic attaches to the nearby teeth, and the dentist bonds it with dental cement.
Dentures
In this treatment process, the replacement teeth above a pink-colored base resemble the color of gums. The natural teeth hold the removable base in place. However, some dentures may have clasps that attach to the teeth. Dentures are a great option if you need to replace multiple teeth in your mouth.
Dentures are artificial gums and teeth created by dentists to fit in your mouth. They replace your lost and missing natural teeth. Depending on your requirement, dentures can be partial or complete. They substitute only a few teeth or all in the top or bottom gum line. If you get dentures, the dentist will design them, especially for you, and they will visually resemble your existing gums and teeth. Treating teeth loss with dentures allows you to take them out and put them back in the mouth when needed. You may require some time to get used to dentures. But today's dentures are much more comfortable and natural looking. Dentures have a colored acrylic base that resembles the color of flesh and fits over the gums. The denture for the upper teeth covers the roof of the mouth. The lower dentures have to accommodate the tongue; hence, it's shaped like a horseshoe.
Need For Dentures
Many people think that only senior citizens who have lost all of their teeth wear dentures. But it is not the case, and dentures are more common than you might imagine. Surveys state that more than 36 million people in America do not have teeth, and around 120 million have at least one tooth missing. In addition, about 20 million women above 40 years wear partial or complete dentures. This figure is bound to increase in the coming years.
Loss of a tooth is not an overnight process. If one cares for their teeth and goes for regular dental checkups, they might not need dentures. But some indications may mean it's time to get dentures.
1. Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly
Regular dental visits are essential to ensure good oral health. If you visit your dentist at least twice a year, they will monitor and inform you of any developing oral health conditions. When any problem is at the initial level, it is easily treatable. But if you develop cavities, it may eventually lead to teeth removal, and you may need dentures. Search for the "best adult orthodontist near me" to find dentists in your area.
2. Loose Teeth And Gaps Between Teeth
Dental health experts say that having loose teeth may indicate advanced gum problems. Such a condition may require a comprehensive periodontal treatment, or it may also require teeth extraction. Hence the need for dentures.
3. Constant Toothache
Pain in teeth may indicate tooth decay to an extent where it affects the nerve in the tooth's center. If you detect this condition early, your dentist can treat it well. However, if it progresses further, it may require teeth removal, and partial dentures might be the solution.
4. Bleeding Gums
Irritation, swelling, redness, and bleeding in gums indicate an early stage of gingivitis. Around 70% of tooth loss in adults is due to gum diseases. In the early stages, one can cure and reverse gum diseases with dental appointments and oral care. However, once the problem progresses toward the bone, it leads to tooth loss.
5. Struggling With Eating
Crack in teeth, missing teeth, and cavities may make it difficult to eat certain foods. If a patient identifies and seeks treatment earlier, it can save the teeth. Else, the solution for long-term problems is dentures.
6. Missing One Or More Teeth
When one loses teeth, it puts excessive pressure on the remaining teeth. Hence, experts advise replacing the missing teeth with some prostheses and teeth caps. When patients depend on the remaining teeth, there are chances that they may lose more teeth. It is because the remaining teeth shift towards the open spaces or wear out untimely.
7. Recurring Indigestion
When unable to chew food well, patients tend to swallow large chunks of food. Improper grinding of food particles and swallowing larger pieces can be tough on the digestive system. A doctor can help you to determine the real cause of your indigestion.
8. Hiding Smile
Missing teeth impact how frequently you smile. Gaps between teeth may affect your self-esteem and make you conscious of how you look. However, most of the people who wear dentures say that they smile more confidently and much more often.
Tooth loss is associated with increasing age, especially in patients who develop problems due to old age. Therefore, a total edentulous situation is more prominent in the elderly. People above 65 years of age are more likely to have one or more tooth losses. In exceptional cases, young patients may also need partial or complete dentures. It happens only when they lose their teeth due to injury or critical tooth decay.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures available. However, the most suitable dentures for you depend on your oral health conditions and lifestyle. The following types of dentures are the most common today.
1. Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are also known as full dentures. They are detachable replacements for the patient's whole set of teeth. The dentist creates completely customizable dentures to restore your teeth' natural look and shape. Complete dentures allow you to chew and eat your food normally. However, many patients may experience speech difficulties. It may be due to the thickness of the material covering the mouth's roof. But most of them adapt to it over time. Dental implants don't prevent the shrinkage of bone. If one wears poorly fitting dentures, it may even worsen the condition.
2. Removable Partial Dentures
The removable dentures replace only the missing teeth, unlike the complete dentures that replace the whole set. Such dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to a plastic base resembling the gums' color. Removable partial dentures are created into a metal framework to provide strength. They feel and look natural and revive the functions of your teeth. Removable partial dentures are easily removable and replaceable. They are ideal for patients who can't get a fixed dental bridge treatment. There are mainly two kinds of removable partial dentures available.
Cast Partial Dentures
Using gum-colored acrylic material and replacement teeth, such dentures are made of a metal frame that holds everything together. Dentists suggest these to patients who have only a few natural teeth remaining.
Acrylic Partial Dentures
Such types of dentures, crafted out of acrylic resin, are also known as flippers. They resemble the look of natural teeth and perform the same function. They may have clasps of dental wires to hold onto the nearby teeth.
3. Immediate Dentures
The process of getting traditional dentures requires the removal of all teeth. They must then rest and wait for at least six weeks so that their gums heal. This step is a must before placing the false teeth. However, removable immediate dentures are good to use directly after extracting natural teeth. They are convenient but more challenging as they are specific to the patient's gums. There are mainly two types of immediate dentures.
Conventional Immediate Dentures
These are removable artificial teeth made for immediate usage after natural tooth extraction. The material of conventional immediate dentures and traditional dentures is the same.
Interim Immediate Dentures
These are the artificial teeth that improve facial appearance and aesthetics. They are removable, and one uses them temporarily till the installation of ultimate synthetic teeth. Such teeth are usually weaker, as they are for brief use.
The Process Of Installing Dentures
The process of getting dentures depends upon your oral condition and requirement. While getting partial dentures, the remaining teeth act as a grip and provide stability to the dentures. Dentures are custom-made as per a person's need. Hence there is a thorough process for it. This process ensures the dentures' perfect fitting, functioning, and appearance.
The first step to getting dentures is a thorough examination of the mouth by the dentist. It includes the analysis of the jawbone's remaining teeth and supporting structures. This stage involves taking X-rays to ensure there aren't any underlying conditions. Otherwise, it may result in complications in the future. Sometimes, it might be necessary to perform teeth removal so that the remaining teeth can function well for as long as feasible. It is also essential for the patients to care for their remaining teeth. Otherwise, the dentures may require remaking or alterations later. At this stage, the dentist will tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of wearing dentures. Remember to clear your doubts regarding the dentures' look, functioning, and feel. To get partial dentures, you must finish cleaning and get fillings if necessary. It should happen before starting the process of crafting dentures.
The second step in this process is to create a mold by scanning your teeth. Your dentist will work with technicians who create dentures. To ensure higher accuracy, the process of molding happens in two stages. As an alternative to molds, dentists use scanners. It provides a quick turnaround time and comfort to the patients. Scanning produces a model of the teeth and allows the next step of making dentures.
The next step includes estimating some parameters for how the dentures should look. Next, it involves recording how the person's teeth should meet. This step is known as jaw record, which happens when one gets complete or partial dentures. The next part is the crucial trial fit that gives the first glance of their look with dentures. For partial dentures, ' Try-In,' the teeth might be set on a metal framework that clings to the remaining teeth. With this trial, the dentist can evaluate the functioning and fitting of dentures and how comfortable they are for the patients. This trial fit will result in some modification of the dentures. Then they will go for the final process. If you or your dentist don't approve of the trial fit appearance, it is best to make the changes before the next stage.
Once the trial fitting looks good, the dentist will call you for the final denture fitting in the next appointment. The new denture may require some adjustment as they are firm and the gums are soft. In addition, you may need some follow-up visits because getting used to dentures may take time. The dentist will also tell you about cleaning and caring for the dentures when you go for the final fitting session.
Caring For Dentures
Removable dentures require proper care to remain clean, stain-free and look good. It will help if you remember the following things to care for your dentures.
1. Remove And Rinse After Eating
Take out your dentures with precaution. You can place a towel on the counter or fill your sink with water. It will not let the dentures break if they fall. Now run water over the dentures to remove the food particles and other debris.
2. Handle With Care
Make sure that you don't apply too much force while cleaning. Also, don't bend the dentures, as it may damage the plastic or plunder the shape of the clasps.
3. Clean Your Mouth
Clean your natural teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, clean your cheeks, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Remove adhesive from your gums if you use adhesive to hold the dentures.
4. Brush The Dentures
It is essential to brush your dentures at least once a day. Soak the dentures and clean them with a non-abrasive denture cleaner and a soft-bristled toothbrush. It will remove food particles, plaque, and other debris. If you use adhesives, clean the remaining of it from the side that fits on the gums.
5. Soak Overnight
To stay in shape, most types of dentures need to remain moist. Hence, if your dentist instructs you, place the dentures in water or a mild soaking solution meant for dentures.
6. Rinse Thoroughly Before Wearing
Before putting the dentures back in your mouth, it is essential to rinse them properly. The denture-soaking solutions may contain harmful chemicals that cause burning or vomiting.
7. Regular Dental Examination
Schedule your dental visits as per the suggestions from your dentist. Your dentist will examine your dentures every time and get your dentures cleaned professionally. Regular visits will enable the dentist to check your oral health and the comfort of the dentures. You should also see your dentist immediately if your dentures become loose. Loose dentures can cause infection and irritation in your mouth.
Also, while taking care of your dentures, you should avoid the following things.
Harsh Cleaning Materials Avoid toothbrushes with stiff bristles, harsh cleansers, and toothpaste with severe chemicals. These are too abrasive and may cause damage to your dentures.
Whitening Toothpaste The whitening toothpaste and solutions available in the market often contain peroxide. Such quick teeth whitening products may change the color of the teeth in the denture. Make sure that you only use mild denture cleansers.
Products Containing Bleach Using bleach-containing products on dentures may change their color and weaken them. Also, avoid soaking the dentures with metal attachments in chlorine-containing solutions as it may destroy the metal clamps.
Hot Water Do not clean your dentures with boiling or hot water. Otherwise, it may warp them, and you might have to get new dentures.
Often dental information needs to be more accurate and precise. Several misconceptions may be holding you from getting dentures as a solution for teeth loss. Here are some myths about dentures:
Myth 1:
All dentures are similar, created from a mold universal to all patients.
Fact:
Every person is different, and so is their mouth. Hence, all dentures are unique. The process of making good-quality dentures involves handicrafts. So, dentures made for the same person will be different each time. During the making of dentures, the mold designed for the particular patient is subject to breaking so that the denture can come out. The finishing touch occurs by hand. Hence, two dentures can never be alike. There are also a variety of materials and techniques used for making dentures. All of these can affect the quality and cost of your dentures.
Myth 2:
There is no need to visit the dentist once you get the dentures.
Fact:
Dentures are like spectacles. Whenever you get new glasses, you always get your eyes examined examination. With age, your prescription for glasses may change. Similarly, the tissue of your mouth keeps on changing as you age. Several factors, such as weight, blood pressure, and tension, may impact the comfort and fitting of the dentures. Hence, visit your dentist at least once a year. It will allow your orthodontist to monitor any changes and make modifications.
Myth 3:
Dentures don't break and last forever.
Fact:
Dentures aren't unbreakable. However, using high-quality materials for making dentures may make them break-resistant. Quality dentures can easily remain functional for 5-8 years with proper care and cleaning. But you can also extend their life if required. Dentures created of inferior quality materials can wear out earlier and last only for 2-3 years. High-quality dentures will save you money, time, and a lot of visits to your dentist.
Myth 4:
You can wear your dentures all the time, during the day and at night.
Fact:
A denture is a replacement instrument implemented against the living tissue of your gums. Hence, your tissue needs to rest for some time without any pressure. Experts recommend that you remove your dentures at least once a day. In addition, it would be best to clean your dentures and mouth with soft-bristled toothbrushes. It helps in maintaining healthy tissue.
Myth 5:
My lower denture is well, but my upper denture gives me problems. So I only need my new lower denture made.
Fact:
For the best results, the upper and the lower dentures should be made together as a set. Unfortunately, making only a half set of dentures is only sometimes possible. The problem in the upper denture might be due to the lower design. Hence, you should discuss it with your dentist and determine the flaws in forming your current dentures.
Myth 6:
With quality dentures, you can bite off food with your front teeth.
Fact:
While wearing dentures, no one should use their front teeth to bite food. It may result in soreness and may lead to bone loss. Due to this, it might be difficult for you to get nicely fitting dentures in the future. However, you don't have to stop eating certain types of food. Instead, you should cut your food into small pieces with a fork and place them in your mouth with a spoon or fork.
Affordable Dentures NJ
Getting dentures for yourself can be overwhelming. There may be confusion about what you need, the quality of the material for dentures, caring for them, budget, aftercare, etc. Before getting dentures, you should know about your oral health and understand what is right for you. Getting the perfect dentures can make your life easier, whereas getting ill-fitting dentures may cause a lot of inconveniences. Hence, visit a qualified and experienced orthodontist for a consultation. At Jackson Dental, you get a one-stop solution for all your dental needs. With highly experienced professionals in dentistry, we strive to be the best dentist in new jersey and provide you with the best solutions. We specialize in dental implants and partial and complete dentures. You get patient-centric care at your convenience in a very comfortable environment with us.
Conclusion
Whether it is the elderly or young people, tooth loss may result in many daily problems. Missing teeth create problems in eating food and prevent you from smiling. It lowers self-esteem and self-confidence. Getting dentures can be life-changing. It enables you to smile confidently, feel good about yourself and eat whatever you wish to without any inconvenience. At the same time, they take away excessive pressure from your remaining teeth and prevent their decay. When getting dentures, you should understand that it is not just meant for the elderly. A person from any age group may need dentures and can get them. It is necessary to get proper consultation with your dentist to understand your requirements and the functioning of dentures. With modern dentistry, you can get dentures that are way more comfortable than traditional ones. Taking care of dentures, cleaning them, and handling them with caution will make your dentures go a long way. Let nothing stop you from smiling and loving yourself!