Dentures are artificial teeth worn by individuals who have lost their adult teeth through illness or injury. There are various types of false teeth, each designed for each individuals unique situation. Some dentures are removable, and others are implanted. Dentures can replace both the upper or lower row of teeth.
Benefits of Dentures
Those who are missing a significant portion of their teeth would benefit greatly from wearing dentures, both from a functional point of view as well as in terms of aesthetics. False teeth can allow the wearer to enjoy eating most foods again. They also support the cheeks and lips, maintaining the normal shape of their face as if they had their teeth.
Each prosthetic is custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth. As such, tremendous patience and skill is needed to make the perfect pair. An improperly fitted denture can cause more problems, including discomfort and damage to the gums and bones of the patient’s jaw. Sometimes, the best solution is a mix of removable sections and implants.
Getting Used to Dentures
No matter how well the denture fits, there will still be an adjustment period. Patients will find that with the dentures on, they salivate uncontrollably, as the mouth misidentifies the foreign object as food to digest.
The dentures may also rub against the skin inside of the mouth and may cause general discomfort until the patient gets used to the feeling of wearing dentures most of the time. If the discomfort is too much, the dentures may need an adjustment or two until it fits comfortably.
Lastly, patients may find it strange to speak and chew food with their new teeth. As before, these basic tasks will be awkward at first, but will get easier over time. To learn more about dentures and how they can benefit you, click on any of the articles below to get started.