A smile is worth a thousand words, but what if you’re too self-conscious to show off your pearly whites? Dentures in West Palm Beach offer a reliable and effective solution for missing, eroded, and broken teeth. According to a 2020 survey, over 40% of adults in the US wear dentures. However, many people are reluctant to try them out due to myths and misconceptions. Before choosing a reliable tooth replacement, dive into the world of dentures to explore the different types available, discuss their benefits, debunk their myths, and get expert tips on how to care for them.
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Types of Dentures
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are removable prosthetics that replace all natural teeth in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Dentists tend to recommend this type of denture to people who have lost most or all their teeth due to tooth decay, injury, or other health issues.
Complete dentures are custom-made to fit the contours of your mouth and are designed to provide you with a natural-looking smile and the ability to eat and speak properly. The dentures are typically held in place by a combination of suction and adhesive, and you need to remove them for cleaning and maintenance before you go to sleep.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are removable artificial teeth that take the place of one or more missing teeth. They are typically recommended for people with some natural teeth remaining, as dentists tend to avoid extracting healthy natural teeth.
Partial dentures are custom-made to fit around your remaining teeth and are designed to blend in with your natural teeth, giving you a seamless smile. These dentures are typically held in place by metal clasps that attach to your natural teeth and, like complete dentures, must be removed and soaked overnight.
Implant-supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture held in place by dental implants that are surgically placed in your jawbone. Dentists recommend this long-lasting and permanent option when patients with several or missing teeth have enough jawbone density to support implants. The implants act as anchors for the denture, providing a stable and secure fit that eliminates the need for adhesives or clasps.
Implant-supported dentures offer several benefits, including improved stability, greater chewing power, and a more natural look and feel.
Overdentures
Overdentures are similar to implant-supported dentures, but they are held in place by both dental implants and your natural teeth. This type of denture is an excellent fit for people with some natural teeth left. Your dentist uses your real teeth to support the denture, which is then anchored in place with dental implants.
Overdentures offer several benefits, including improved stability, greater chewing power, and a more natural look and feel. They also help preserve the natural teeth by supporting and preventing further decay or damage.
Overall, the type of denture that is best for you will depend on factors like the number of teeth you need to replace, the condition of your natural teeth, and the overall health of your jawbone.
Your dentist or prosthodontist can help you determine the best type of denture for your individual needs, and can guide you on care and maintenance to ensure your dentures last for many years.
Myths and Misconceptions About Dentures
Myth 1: Dentures are only for the elderly
Contrary to popular belief, dentures are not only for older people. Many older adults use dentures because they don’t have the necessary jawbone density to support other tooth replacements, such as dental implants. Yet, people of all ages can get dentures if they have lost their natural teeth due to injury, decay, or other health issues.
Myth 2: Dentures are uncomfortable and don’t fit properly
One of the most common myths about dentures is that they don’t sit as comfortably inside the mouth as other tooth replacements. However, the problem doesn’t lie in the dentures themselves but in the quality of the materials used and the experience of the dental professional making the tooth replacement. When a dentist makes custom dentures that are correctly fitted, they feel as natural as real teeth.
While you will need some time to get used to wearing dentures, they should not cause any discomfort after a few days. Additionally, modern dentures are often made from materials that closely mimic natural teeth’ look and feel, making the adjustment period shorter.
Myth 3: Dentures require a lot of maintenance and are difficult to clean
While it’s true that dentures require some maintenance, keeping them clean is an easy task. You must remove them from your mouth and brush them daily with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. With this practice, you can eliminate food particles and bacteria, keeping your new teeth spotless and bright for longer.
You also need to rinse your dentures after eating and soak them overnight in a denture cleaning solution to keep them hydrated and preserve their shape.
With proper care, dentures can last as much as a decade.
Myth 4: Dentures are not as effective as natural teeth for eating and speaking
Even though no tooth replacement works as perfectly as your natural teeth, dentures are effective for regular activities like eating or speaking. Since modern dentures are designed to fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth, you can enjoy your favorite foods without having to worry about embarrassing slip-ups or moving teeth.
Additionally, partial and complete dentures can replace your front teeth, which are crucial to utter some sounds and speaking with confidence.
Myth 5: Dentures look fake and obvious
One of the most persistent myths about dentures is that others can quickly tell they aren’t natural teeth. However, modern dentures are custom-made to match the shape and color of your real teeth, giving you a natural-looking smile. Thanks to cutting-edge materials and technology, professionals can also use images as a reference to create a more detailed and accurate artificial tooth.
Myth 6: Dentures are not durable
Another misconception about dentures is that they break or lose their shape easily. Even though dentures might get damaged after a sudden fall or exposure to heat, this can be the case for most tooth replacement options. Modern dentures are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand wear and tear and other common problems like cavities and staining.
However, it’s still important to handle your dentures with care and to follow your dentist’s instructions for care and maintenance.
Benefits of Dentures Over Other Tooth Replacements
Lower Cost Compared to Dental Implants
Dental implants are often more expensive than dentures, making the second option a more affordable tooth replacement for many people.
No Surgery Required
Unlike dental implants, dentures do not require surgery to be placed. This characteristic makes dentures a more desirable option for those afraid to get surgery or who want a short-term commitment to a tooth replacement.
Quick and Easy to Get
Dentures can be created and placed relatively quickly compared to other tooth replacement options, such as dental implants or bridges, meaning you can restore your smile in fewer visits. Once the replacement is finished, you simply need to use some safe adhesive to stick them to your gums.
Customizable for a Natural Look and Feel
Dentures can be customized to match the shape and color of your natural teeth, giving you a natural-looking smile while restoring your oral function and appearance.
Can Improve Oral Health by Preventing Further Tooth Loss
Dentures can prevent you from losing more teeth as they provide support and stability to remaining natural teeth and evenly distribute the force of your bite. Therefore, you improve your overall oral health and avoid tooth pain and painful extractions in the future.
Are Dentures Permanent?
While dentures are designed to be a long-lasting tooth replacement option, they are not considered permanent. Dentures typically last for several years before needing to be replaced. Factors such as wear and tear, changes in your mouth, and the quality of the denture materials can all affect the lifespan of your dentures.
Is Everyone a Good Candidate for Dentures?
While dentures can be an excellent option for many, not all patients tick the necessary boxes to get these artificial teeth. Factors that may make someone a poor fit for dentures include:
Severe Gum Disease
Severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, gums can swell and expose deeper tooth layers, leading to tooth loss and bone deterioration.
Dentists sometimes need to treat gum disease to determine if dentures are an appropriate replacement.
Poor Oral Health
Good oral hygiene is essential to the success of dentures. If you haven’t been caring for your teeth and suffer from problems like tooth decay or gum disease, your dentures might cause discomfort or irritation.
A history of frequent cavities or oral infections may also indicate a more significant issue with your oral health that needs to be addressed before your dentists give you a green flag to get dentures.
An Inability to Properly Care for Dentures
Proper care and maintenance are a must if you want to keep your dentures in good shape. When you’re unable or unwilling to properly care for your dentures, such as regularly cleaning them or soaking them overnight in a denture cleaning solution, your teeth and gums might suffer, and your denture’s lifespan shortens.
Certain Medical Conditions and Medication
Some medical conditions like diabetes, as well as certain medications, may cause dry mouth, leading to a higher risk of dental problems while wearing dentures. In these cases, you might need to consider other permanent tooth replacement options.
If you are not a good candidate for dentures, your dentist may recommend other tooth replacement options, such as dental implants or bridges.
Care Tips for Dentures
Proper care and maintenance of dentures can extend their lifespan and ensure they function correctly. Some tricks to keep in mind include:
Brushing and Rinsing
You should clean your dentures daily, like your natural teeth, and use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to prevent scratching or staining your artificial teeth. Please avoid using regular toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners, which can damage the denture material.
When cleaning your dentures, rinse them thoroughly to remove any cleaning solution residue that may cause irritation or discomfort inside your mouth.
Avoiding Certain Foods
Certain sticky, acidic, or hard foods, such as candy, lemon, carrots, and apples, may be difficult to eat with dentures and alter their shape. Please chop these foods into smaller pieces or replace them with other options to prevent damage and discomfort while eating. Remember to chew slowly and carefully to avoid breaking your dentures.
Following Your Dentist’s Instructions
It’s natural to experience some discomfort or awkwardness when wearing new dentures. Since it may take some time to adjust to your new teeth, you must follow your dentist’s instructions and practice speaking and eating with them to get used to them quickly. Start by eating soft foods and gradually introducing firmer meals as you become more comfortable.
Getting Regular Check-ups and Cleanings with a Dentist
Regular check-ups with a dentist or prosthodontist are essential to ensure your dentures function properly and address any issues that may arise. During these appointments, your dentist or prosthodontist will examine your dentures, check their fit, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs. They will also check your mouth for any signs of irritation or oral health issues.
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Smile Confidently with Custom Dentures in West Palm Beach
If you’re considering dentures or other tooth replacement options, schedule an appointment with PGA Dentistry. Our team of skilled dentists and oral surgeons has extensive experience restoring smiles and improving oral health with various tooth replacement options, including dentures, dental implants, and more.
We can determine the best treatment plan for your needs and provide personalized care and attention. Don’t let denture myths and misconceptions hold you back from achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact PGA Dentistry today to schedule a visit and get a brighter, healthier future.