Find Your Smile, Before You Have to Replace it!
When your natural teeth begin to fall out, it is time to think about replacing them. This is usually done with dentures. Dentures are false teeth that are made to look like real teeth so that you have a natural and attractive smile. There is very little stigma attached to having dentures anymore, as many people have them now. There are two different types of dentures. One kind is called complete and the other kind is known as immediate. Each has its purpose, but when all of your teeth are gone, most people prefer the complete dentures. These are the “conventional” dentures that most people are familiar with; they are the dentures that look like a set of teeth.
Immediate dentures are more like individual teeth. When people start losing their teeth, one at time, immediate dentures can be put in place to fill in the spot. Sometimes these are used for people who have had their teeth knocked out in an accident while playing sports or in a car accident. These individual dentures may need adjusting, though, after a while. When a tooth falls out, the gums usually swell. It registers with the body as an injury, and so the body will work to heal the gums. This often causes the gums to shrink. When the gums shrink, it means that your immediate dentures no longer fit properly. You may need them realigned so that they look more natural and attractive.
After a few months, when the gums have all healed, many people choose to switch to the complete dentures. These dentures look like a full set of teeth. Even if all of the natural teeth are gone, some people prefer to use the immediate dentures for a few months before transitioning to the complete. This is because when the gums shrink, it can affect the fit of the complete dentures as well. By using immediate dentures initially, and then switching after the mouth is “reset,” the person ensures that his or her new teeth will fit properly, and that everything is in order.
Interestingly enough, for a while many people had their dentures stained slightly so that they were off white. This was because if they were too white, people would think it unnatural and know they were dentures. However, now, due to the growing popularity of bleaching the teeth, many people choose not to have their dentures stained to look “natural.” Because so many people now have bright white teeth, there is no reason to try to change the way dentures look in order to “fit in.”
Keeping your dentures clean is important, as dirty dentures can lead to bad breath and an unattractive-looking mouth. Proper care of your dentures will be explained to you when you get them, and you should follow all directions for care as closely and carefully as possible. When you do clean your dentures, make sure that you do so over a soft, thick towel. That way, if you drop them, they are less likely to break. You should carefully loosen the large pieces of food, and you should follow the remaining directions from your dentist for cleaning and storage.
Charles Kassotis
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Comments
My grandmother has a complete denture. The problem she has right now is chewing her food. Foods that are hard to chew are almost impossible for her to eat. Is there a way wherein she could still enjoy eating even though she has complete dentures? Or its just a normal thing for having dentures?
Having recently come out of an accident where I broke two teeths, I was not sure which way to go. I was adviced to do immediate dentures, but it has been a problem ever since I installed them.
I understand now that I need to have them readjusted, thanks. It has been a real annoyment with these dentures, as they do not feel right, and do not fit perfect, so they continue to bug you in the mind.
I will make sure I get an appointment so that I can readjust the dentures.
Once again thanks for the advice.
I never realized the gums swelled and shrunk like that, or at least not enough to make such a large impact. This will be good to know when I get old enough to start taking out multiple teeth possibly. It does explain why so many people have poorly fitting dentures as well.
Can dentures once given to patient, after a year be made lighter in color. They were NEVER white enough for me.
im 32 and find myself in need of a full top denture as i had problems with my teeth through medacation i was on when i was a child. i would love to get realy white dentures but my dentist keeps saying they will look false, but i want them white anyway. what should i do? should i insist that i want white dentures as im paying throuth the nose for them or leave it alone..
this was the best artical i’ve read about dentures.but why are extractions so much?the cheapest i found were 70 bucks a tooth.times that by 18 omg!oh well i’m going for it thanks denture friend
Dave,toledo
This is the situation I will soon be facing when I have more teeth than I would like to admit removed. I had decided that I wanted dentures immediately so that I could get on with life and living, but I was concerned about the changes that would occur post operatively.
Knowing that immediate dentures do not have to be permanent is wonderful-but will this double the overall costs?