The answer is no. Though getting dentures can feel like the end of the world, it doesnât have to be. With advances in dental technology, dentures are now more comfortable and natural looking than ever before. There are a variety of options available that offer different levels of customization so you can find the perfect fit for your mouth.
As we age, our teeth can begin to deteriorate. The deterioration process usually begins with the enamel under the gums and then spreads to other areas on or near the surface of the teeth. For some patients, this is just a minor inconvenience that is easily addressed through modern dentistry methods such as porcelain veneers, bonding, and composite resins. Unfortunately for many patients, their dental problems are more severe than just cosmetic issues. These individuals often experience serious oral health problems due to advanced tooth loss which affects both the soft tissue in the mouth and bones which have supported healthy teeth over a lifetime. In some cases these conditions require multiple teeth to be removed from a patientâs mouth which has a huge impact on their ability to eat, speak and enjoy life with confidence.
The traditional solution to multiple tooth loss has been for the patient to purchase removable dentures. These appliances are easy, convenient, and affordable for most people who lose their teeth. Dentures can be fabricated in a variety of materials ranging from the traditional acrylic resin base with metal snaps and clasps to newer models which use clear polymers or ceramics. Many patients today only purchase and wear only partials (front upper and lower) while others opt to purchase complete sets (upper and lower).
Regardless of whether youâre considering partial or full dentures, your dentist can advise you on what options will work best for your specific situation including cost, comfort, function, appearance, and time period you wish to wear the appliance. If you decide to purchase and wear dentures, your dentist will need to construct a custom-made appliance that fits perfectly in order to ensure comfort and maximum results.
If you suffer from extreme tooth loss due to an accident or other traumatic event, implants may provide an excellent treatment alternative that can eliminate both your need for removable dentures and dental bridges. Dental implants work by first placing a titanium post into the jawbone under the surface of the gums above where teeth used to be. Once placed properly, this post fuses with your bodyâs natural bone structure allowing future insertion of replacement teeth (implant crowns) without any ridges or other visible signs of. Any additional costs associated with the placement and replacement of these implants will be covered by your medical and dental insurance companies.
Is it hard to wear dentures?
Those who wear dentures today will likely remember that moment the dentist informed them that there was nothing they could do and they would take a cast of their mouth, and produce some dentures which they would wear for the rest of their life. To those who have no idea of the new denture technology available it can feel like the end of the world, they are about to lose teeth that have been with them for years. However, wearing dentures is not the end of the world; it is the start of a new phase of your life and one which you should actually embrace.
Reasons for dentures
There are many different reasons why people are forced to wear dentures which include:
⢠Individual broken teeth
⢠Gum disease
⢠Extensive tooth decay
⢠Accidents
In reality, those who are advised to move towards dentures would likely have been expecting that moment for some time. In the back of their minds they will have tried to ignore the problems, perhaps eaten and drunk through the pain and sensitivity only to find there was no reprieve or chance of recovery. The truth is that the longer you leave the requirement for extensive dental care the greater the potential problems and this could be the difference between a full set of dentures and only partial dentures. Even though we should all undertake regular dental checks, if you feel excessive sensitivity or pain in one or more of your teeth, or perhaps your gums are bleeding and receding, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Social circles
If you ask anybody who has converted to dentures they will describe that nightmare scenario when you first venture out with friends and family wearing your dentures. You will be conscious, you will no doubt be quiet and people will begin to notice a difference. The reality is that when you are in company you are probably not the only person with a set of dentures, whether partial or full, as others will have likely undertaken such treatment. The good news is that you probably didnât even notice those who had dentures before? You never gave it a second thought and you never realised any difference in the way they spoke or the way they acted.
Dentures are for many people a last resort and the very fact that they are advised by dentists would suggest this is the case. It is difficult to look back at a time when you were denture free although many of us look back on this period and try to convince ourselves âit wasnât that badâ. We forget the excruciating pain, the inability to smile because we had teeth ground down or missing and an uncomfortable feeling when in the company.
Smile and the world smiles with you
There are many people who now wear dentures that are happy to smile until their hearts content because we all know when you smile the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone. We hear instances of individuals who over the years have seen their front teeth ground down to next to nothing and have had a âtoothy grinâ for as long as people can remember. After just a few weeks or few months of wearing dentures, just see the difference, they are happy to smile, show their teeth because they know that nobody will even know the difference. We often underestimate the opportunity to smile, the fact that it makes us feel happy and can bring a calming and welcoming influence to others.
In many ways our brains are extremely selective as to what we remember and how we see things of the past. Many of us may associate dentures with years gone by when their parents had the most basic of dentures which often seemed larger than they needed, often caused their teeth to protrude and that terrible clink at the end of the night as they dropped their dentures into the glass of water. Technology has come on in leaps and bounds over the years, the dentures of today are unrecognisable to those who have never seen a set and they can help to create the best smile. However, it is worth noting that the best miles do come from the heart!
Cleaning your dentures
That first day when you drop a cleaning tablet into a glass of water containing your dentures can be depressing, drag many people down but it is not the end of the world. For those who are conscious of cleaning their dentures they can simply place them out of sight and within five or 10 minutes they will be clean again. Nobody needs to be any the wiser about the fact you have dentures but, on the plus side, within just five or 10 minutes of using your Denture Cleaner they will be spotless!
Your dentures should be cleaned on a regular basis because even denture free mouths are a haven for germs and bacteria. If you clean your dentures on a daily basis this will help remove a potential haven for germs and bacteria and associated health issues. Those who fail to remove their dentures and clean them on a regular basis risk leaving decaying food in between their gums and their dentures which can not only create harmful bacteria but bad breath. If you are out of the house and it is not possible to give your dentures a âgood cleanâ then simply go to the bathroom and run them under some warm water. This should help to remove any potential food debris until you are able to give them a proper clean. It can also be extremely uncomfortable in the knowledge that you know there is food between your dentures and your gums and there is nothing you can do about it. Well there is!
Using your dentures as a positive example
There are many occasions where dentures are advisable as a consequence of health issues or accidents. However, the vast majority of people are advised to take on dentures simply because they failed to look after their teeth to a high enough standard. Missed health checks, lack of funds and general day-to-day living challenges are often used as an excuse for missing dentist appointments. The fact is that if you cannot genuinely afford to visit your dentist then there will be funding available from the authorities. Unfortunately, many people choose to use their funds elsewhere assuming their teeth will always remain healthy. This is not always the case!
Therefore, where friends or family are having trouble with their teeth, those who are brave enough, can use their dentures as a positive example. Tell them that in a perfect world you would not have chosen to take on dentures and wished that you had looked after your teeth better. Take your teeth out, show them what they look like and, while you may be used to them, friends and family will get a shock when the potential reality stands before them. This course of action is not for everybody because many people would prefer to keep the matter private. However, that is not to say you cannot use them as a means to encourage your children to look after their teeth.
Using dentures is not the end of the world
As we touched on above, that first moment when you are told that you require dentures can feel as though your world has caved in. You become very conscious, feel socially isolated and for some it can be difficult to regain that confidence in the short to medium term. However, dentures today are nothing like those of years gone by, they are moulded around your existing teeth and gums and fit perfectly.
You may need to update your dentures from time to time as you get older but it is worth noting that these are extremely durable, great value for money and in many cases invaluable to your everyday life. It may seem difficult, but you should embrace your dentures, make the most of them and even pretend that they are your normal teeth. Flash a smile, start eating that food you avoided in years gone by because of toothache and above all, start to live again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igbnGOhjERY
Adjusting to dentures
Adjusting to dentures can be a daunting task for many people. Itâs important to keep in mind that everyoneâs experience will be different. Some individuals may have a relatively easy time adjusting to dentures, while others may struggle more. Either way, itâs important to stay patient and persistent in the process.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when adjusting to dentures is that itâs going to take some time. Itâs not uncommon for it to take several weeks or even months for individuals to feel truly comfortable with their dentures. This is because the muscles in the mouth and tongue will need to adjust to the new appliance. Initially, speaking and eating may be difficult and uncomfortable, but as individuals continue to practice and use their dentures regularly, these tasks will become easier and more comfortable.
Itâs also crucial to care for the dentures properly. This includes cleaning them thoroughly every day, as well as soaking them in a denture cleaner overnight. Additionally, denture wearers should avoid eating hard or sticky foods, which could potentially damage the dentures.
One way to make the process of adjusting to dentures easier is to work with a dentist or denture specialist. These professionals can provide advice and guidance on how to care for the dentures, as well as suggest other tips and tricks for making the adjustment process smoother.
Overall, adjusting to dentures can be a challenging process, but with patience and persistence, itâs definitely achievable. By following the above tips and practicing regularly, individuals can begin to feel comfortable and confident with their new appliance, allowing them to continue living their lives to the fullest.
Adjusting to dentures
Adjusting to dentures can be a daunting task for many people. Itâs important to keep in mind that everyoneâs experience will be different. Some individuals may have a relatively easy time adjusting to dentures, while others may struggle more. Either way, itâs important to stay patient and persistent in the process.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when adjusting to dentures is that itâs going to take some time. Itâs not uncommon for it to take several weeks or even months for individuals to feel truly comfortable with their dentures. This is because the muscles in the mouth and tongue will need to adjust to the new appliance. Initially, speaking and eating may be difficult and uncomfortable, but as individuals continue to practice and use their dentures regularly, these tasks will become easier and more comfortable.
Itâs also crucial to care for the dentures properly. This includes cleaning them thoroughly every day, as well as soaking them in a denture cleaner overnight. Additionally, denture wearers should avoid eating hard or sticky foods, which could potentially damage the dentures.
One way to make the process of adjusting to dentures easier is to work with a dentist or denture specialist. These professionals can provide advice and guidance on how to care for the dentures, as well as suggest other tips and tricks for making the adjustment process smoother.
Overall, adjusting to dentures can be a challenging process, but with patience and persistence, itâs definitely achievable. By following the above tips and practicing regularly, individuals can begin to feel comfortable and confident with their new appliance, allowing them to continue living their lives to the fullest.
Alternatives to dentures
Dentures arenât the only option when it comes to replacing missing teeth. In fact, there are a number of different alternatives available, each with their own set of benefits and drawbacks.
One option that has become increasingly popular in recent years is dental implants. These are artificial tooth roots that are placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. Unlike dentures, which can slip and slide around in the mouth, implants are firmly anchored in place and offer a more natural-looking and feeling solution. They also help to preserve the jawbone and prevent shrinkage, which can occur when teeth are missing.
Another alternative to dentures is a dental bridge. This is a prosthetic device that is used to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Bridges are anchored to the remaining teeth on either side of the gap and can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and metal. While they are not as permanent as implants, bridges can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Finally, there are also partial dentures, which are designed to replace one or more missing teeth while leaving the remaining natural teeth intact. These are typically made from a combination of metal and acrylic and are held in place by clasps that attach to the surrounding teeth. While they can take some getting used to, partial dentures can be an effective and affordable option for those who are not good candidates for implants or bridges.
Ultimately, the best option for replacing missing teeth will depend on a variety of factors, including the patientâs overall health, the number and location of missing teeth, and their budget and personal preferences. If you are considering alternatives to dentures, be sure to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine which option is best for your unique needs and circumstances.
Benefits of getting dentures
If you have lost most or all of your natural teeth due to gum disease, injury, or aging, you may be considering getting dentures. While the thought of losing your natural teeth may seem daunting, dentures can actually offer numerous benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life.
One of the main benefits of getting dentures is improved chewing and eating ability. With missing teeth, it can be challenging to eat certain foods, especially hard or crunchy ones. Dentures can restore your ability to eat a wide variety of foods, resulting in a more balanced and healthy diet. Additionally, dentures can improve your speech, as missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce certain words or sounds.
Another benefit of dentures is improved appearance. Without teeth, your facial muscles can sag and make you appear older. Once you have dentures, the appearance of your face can be restored, giving you a more youthful and balanced look. Dentures can also help fill out your lips and cheeks, which can give you a more attractive smile.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of dentures is improved self-confidence. When you donât have teeth or have missing teeth, it can be challenging to feel confident in social situations. Dentures can restore your smile and allow you to speak, eat, and smile with confidence. When you feel good about your appearance, you are more likely to engage in social situations and enjoy your life to the fullest.
Overall, dentures can offer numerous benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life. From improved eating ability and appearance to increased self-confidence, dentures can help you regain control of your life and enjoy all the activities you love.
