It is not uncommon for people to lose a tooth or a couple of teeth. Millions of people are losing their teeth all over the world. If you are missing a couple of teeth you don’t have to fret about it too much. Losing teeth to gum diseases, tooth decay or by accidents or sports injuries is quite common. Today, of the several options you have, dentures are probably the best, easiest and most affordable alternatives for missing teeth.
You no longer have to worry about smiling in public or eating your favorite foods, provided you get yourself fitted out for dentures or false teeth at your dentist’s. The first thing to do is to find an experienced dentist who will examine your oral cavity and evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums. The dentist will then suggest a course of treatment, the cost for which will depend on the condition of your teeth and gums. After the examination is over and the dentist suggests the course of treatment you are free to ask him any questions you may have. The probable questions that pop up in your mind could include:
Do I Need Partial or Complete Dentures, Will the Dentures Be Fixed Permanently, or Can They Be Removed?
A partial denture is one of the best ways to replace one or more than one missing tooth. It is made of acrylic base that will be of natural color (the color of your gums and palate). It can be worn during the day and while eating and needs to be removed before going to bed. Partial dentures are attached with wire clasps that are fixed on your adjacent natural teeth. A crown may have to be fitted to the adjacent teeth to make the denture more stable and strong.
Complete dentures will be required when the person loses all the teeth either in the lower or upper regions, or both. After consultation and examination, the dentist makes an evaluation, and impressions of the gums are taken. The dentist may provide a temporary set of dentures to use until your dentures get ready. It could take a week to 10 days for the dentures to be made in the laboratory. Complete dentures are removable and need to be removed before going to bed and should always be stored in a glass container filled with water.
Is It Possible to Save Any of My Natural Teeth?
No one wants to lose all the teeth and go for complete dentures. In case a couple of your teeth are in good condition, the dentist will advise against them being extracted. Then, partial dentures will be made for the remaining missing teeth. If the natural teeth are strong enough, a bridge may be suggested by the dentist where the dentures will be connected to your natural teeth for added support.
However, if your remaining natural teeth are weak, the dentist will decide on partial dentures that will be connected with clasps that can be connected to your teeth without putting too much pressure on them. The remaining natural teeth can be saved only if the gums are healthy and there is no bone resorption.
What Will It Feel like to Wear Dentures?
Having a foreign substance in your mouth will be a totally new experience that needs getting used to. Speaking normally and eating regular food will get affected in the first few days. It usually takes a couple of weeks to get used to your new set of dentures. If clip-on dentures make you feel very uncomfortable maybe you should try denture paste which helps hold your dentures firmly in position.
The good part is that you get back the smile on your face and no longer hesitate to socialize with friends and family. Dentures give good oral and lip support and you can pronounce words the way you used to when you had natural teeth. This may take a bit of practice, but eventually things will fall in place.
What Foods Should I Eat After Wearing Dentures?
Initially, your dentist will advise you to have only a liquid diet followed by purees and semi solids after a few days. It is advisable to avoid very hot or very cold stuff as the gums could still be raw and sensitive. Do not swish liquid food in your mouth for too long before swallowing as this may cause the dentures to loosen.
Initially there will be a feeling where the food tastes a bit funny as your sense of taste will not be at its best. Slowly, as you get used to the dentures, your sense of taste will be restored, and you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, savoring the aroma. While chewing food, make sure you distribute the food all over your mouth and don’t put pressure in any one area.