Understanding Dentures

A variety of dental and health problems can result from tooth loss. Patients with misaligned teeth might not be able to eat all they can or should because they are unable to chew well. Improper or incomplete chewing habits can lead to indigestion and even more serious conditions like malnutrition. A single missing tooth can alter the alignment of all the other teeth and change the bite pattern of the patient, possibly resulting in pain for the entire head region including the neck and jaw. This is why anyone with a missing tooth should explore having the tooth restored, which can be done via dentures fitted by a Suwanee dentist, denturist or prosthodontist.

There are two denture options for the patient who is missing teeth: a partial denture or overdenture to replace a couple of teeth, or a full denture which can replace all the teeth in either jaw. Partial dentures clip onto a clasp attached to two abutting teeth (one on either side) and, so are removable, and are most appropriate for people have a few lost teeth. Overdentures are also removable, but use remaining tooth roots to hold them in position.

Dentures have to be custom fitted to the jaws and gums of each patient. The dentist has to evaluate the gums and jaw bones of the patient to plan out the shape of the anticipated denture. A few patients may need to have the remaining natural teeth extracted or parts of the jaw reshaped to ensure a perfect fit. Sometimes, during the extraction or shaping process swelling may occur in which case a temporary denture is inserted for six to twelve months before a permanent denture is made so that it fits properly.

Patients have many material options to choose, and the choice can significantly affect the overall result and the expenditure involved. A polymer denture looks far more natural and is substantially stronger than one made from plastic.

People generally bear the higher expense of getting a polymer denture because of its advantages. A number of metals may be required to make the denture so that it fits properly, which can also raise the cost.

Taking care of a denture is quite easy and should be integrated into a conventional dental hygiene routine. Patients generally brush their natural teeth, gums and palate every day, and this can be done to dentures, as well. There are two reasons dentists advise their patients to remove the denture at night: One, it permits the saliva to access the gums to ensure a healthy natural environment and, two, to soak the dentures in a disinfectant solution to rid the denture of germs and food particles brushing may have missed. Because dentures may occasionally irritate the gums and lining of the mouth, it is important to keep them, and the mouth, as clean and healthy as possible. Poor oral hygiene in combination with dentures can lead to gum disease and infection as well as other more serious medical problems.

Denture wearers will need to arrange specific denture maintenance appointments with their Suwanee dentist after approximately five or seven years.