What Are Dentures and How Do They Work?

Dentures are removable replacements for false teeth that sit comfortably over the gum line and fill in gaps where teeth have been removed. They are primarily made from plastic, metal or nylon and are designed to fit over the edentulous ridge (the hill on which teeth used to live). They can be partial or complete depending on the amount of natural teeth still intact. They offer many benefits to those who need them including increased self-esteem, better eating habits and reduced oral health problems like jaw bone loss.

When people have missing teeth, they can find it difficult to chew and speak properly. This can result in malnourishment and even affect the overall health of a person. Replacing the missing teeth with dentures can help improve these issues. With the right set of Dentures, it’s possible to eat a wide variety of foods and chew them well enough to digest properly. They also help to maintain the facial muscles and decrease muscle deterioration that happens with missing teeth over time.

The good news is that it doesn’t take long for patients to adjust to speaking with their new dentures and after a little practice, they can be talking normally again in no time at all. Some patients will find certain sounds, such as S’s and F’s, more difficult to pronounce but by practicing with loved ones and reading out loud, it will become easier over time.

There are a number of reasons why people need to get fitted for dentures including an injury or dental condition that leads to losing teeth, the ageing process and gum disease. It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone will be a candidate for dentures so it’s vitally important to speak to a dentist at the first sign of any problems with your teeth or general oral health.

Dentures are easy to care for and will last a long time if they are looked after properly. It’s important to remove them and rinse them after every meal and clean them with a special toothpaste that is meant for dentures. It’s also essential to store them in a water-based solution overnight to make sure they don’t dry out and lose their shape. It’s also recommended to visit a dentist for regular checkups to make sure they are still in good condition.

With the right care, your dentures should last a long time and give you back your confidence and good oral health. There are a range of dentures to suit different needs and budgets from acrylic, which are less expensive, through to premium heat-cured models that provide a more lifelike appearance and last up to 10 years. They are usually more costly but they use high-end materials that simulate the look of gums and teeth as closely as possible and have a warranty against chipping or cracking for 5-10 years. This makes them a worthwhile investment for most patients.