Complete Dentures
Pembroke Family Dental Care
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Complete Dentures
What Are Complete Dentures?
Complete dentures are removable, plastic teeth that replace all the teeth in your mouth. They are designed to look and function almost exactly the same as real teeth and gums so you can eat, smile, and speak naturally. They sit directly on top of your gums, and once you get used to them, they can be as comfortable as your own teeth!
There are two main types of complete dentures:
- Conventional Dentures: These are made after all your teeth have been removed, and your gums have healed. This can take about 8 to 12 weeks, so you’ll have to wait before getting your dentures.
- Immediate Dentures: These are made in advance and can be placed right after your teeth are taken out. You won’t have to wait, but they may need adjustments as your gums heal and change shape.
Why Might Someone Need Complete Dentures?
People might need complete dentures if they’ve lost all their teeth. This can happen for different reasons:
- Tooth Decay: When teeth have too many cavities that can’t be fixed, they might have to be removed.
- Gum Disease: This is when the gums and bones around your teeth become weak. If it gets very bad, teeth can become loose and fall out.
- Injury: An accident can sometimes cause teeth to be knocked out or damaged beyond repair.
- Aging: As we get older, our teeth can wear down or fall out.
Complete dentures help you chew your food, talk clearly, and smile confidently. They also support your facial muscles, so your face doesn’t look “sunken” without teeth.
How Are Complete Dentures Made?
Why Is Endodontic Treatment Important?
Getting complete dentures takes a few steps. Here’s how it works:
- Initial Visit: The dentist will check your mouth, take some measurements, and make molds (impressions) of your gums. These molds help create dentures that fit just right.
- Making the Dentures: A dental lab will use the molds to make a set of dentures that match the shape of your gums. They’ll also choose a color that looks like real teeth and gums.
- Trying Them On: Once your dentures are ready, you’ll try them on. The dentist will check to make sure they fit properly and feel comfortable. Sometimes, adjustments are needed to make them fit better.
- Final Fitting: After any changes are made, you’ll get your complete dentures to take home!
Getting Used to Your New Dentures
Wearing dentures can feel strange at first. Your mouth needs time to get used to them, but don’t worry – it gets easier with time! Here are some tips to help:
- Practice Speaking: At first, talking with dentures might feel a bit odd. Practice reading out loud to help your mouth adjust.
- Start with Soft Foods: Eating with dentures takes practice. Start with soft foods and cut them into small pieces. As you get used to your dentures, you can try eating tougher foods.
- Bite Carefully: When eating, bite food from the side, not with your front teeth, to keep the dentures in place.
Taking Care of Your Dentures
Just like real teeth, dentures need proper care to stay clean and last a long time. Here’s how to take care of them:
- Rinse After Eating: Take your dentures out and rinse them with water after meals to remove any food particles.
- Brush Daily: Brush your dentures every day with a soft toothbrush and denture cleaner to keep them clean and fresh. Don’t use regular toothpaste because it can be too harsh and scratch them.
- Soak Overnight: When you’re not wearing your dentures, keep them in water or a special denture solution. This stops them from drying out or losing their shape.
- Take Care of Your Gums: Even though you have dentures, you still need to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth every day to keep them clean and healthy.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
With good care, dentures can last 5 to 10 years. However, as you age, your gums and bones can change shape. This means your dentures might not fit as well over time. When this happens, your dentist can adjust or replace them.
Advantages of Complete Dentures
- Improved Appearance: Dentures give you a complete, natural-looking smile.
- Better Chewing and Eating: Dentures help you enjoy your favorite foods again.
- Clearer Speech: Missing teeth can make it hard to speak clearly. Dentures help you pronounce words better.
- Boosted Confidence: A bright, full smile can make you feel more confident.
In Summary
Complete dentures are a great option if you have lost all of your teeth. They are made to resemble your natural teeth and perform things like eating, speaking, and smile. While adjusting to them will take some effort, dentures are a tried and tested method of supporting your oral health.
If you think you need dentures, visit your dentist, and they’ll guide you through the process. Remember, it’s never too late to have a beautiful, confident smile!