A set of dentures is a replacement for your natural teeth. It consists of artificial teeth secured by partial or complete dentures. Dentures may be the best option if you have lost most or all of your natural teeth and can’t wear conventional bridges.
Dentures also come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and they look as natural as possible. There are many pros and cons to getting dentures, and it’s essential to understand them before making any decision. If you’re planning to get dentures anytime soon, this article is for you.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a type of removable dental prosthesis that can replace missing teeth. They can be made of porcelain, acrylic resin, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials. Moreover, the dentures are placed by suction, retention straps, and mucosal tissues. If you’re considering getting dentures Penrith or wherever you reside at the moment, make sure to opt for reputable denture clinics only to ensure the best results.
Complete dentures replace all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw and are held in place by suction from your gums. Partial dentures, on the one hand, replace some of the missing teeth, usually on an upper or lower arch. These can replace missing teeth in one arch if you have more than half of your natural teeth remaining on that side of your mouth.
Why Get Dentures?
If you’re missing teeth, you might be wondering if dentures are the best solution out there. Perhaps, you’ve heard that dentures are unpleasant, pricey, or unreliable. However, don’t let those misconceptions deter you from considering dentures as a viable option.
The primary reason people get dentures is that they’ve lost all of their natural teeth. Nevertheless, even if you still have most of your healthy teeth in place, dentures can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. In addition, they are also appropriate for people with tooth gaps and receding gums.
However, dentures may not be an option for everyone. If you have gum disease or poor oral health, it may be better to consider alternatives such as implants or bridges instead of dentures.
The Pros Of Getting Dentures
If you’re considering getting dentures, you’re probably wondering what the pros are. Here are some of the benefits of getting dentures:
1. Getting Dentures Is A Quick Process
Unlike other dental implants, which can take weeks or months, dentures can be done in as little as one day. You don’t want to waste time when you’re ready to get dentures, that’s why most denture procedures are quick and easy. You can usually get your dentures fitted in just one visit. This means that, in no time, you can get back to enjoying your favorite foods, smiling without feeling self-conscious about how your smile looks and talking without worrying about whether people will notice your missing teeth.
2. Dentures Look And Feel Natural
Dentures look like natural teeth, which many people look for when considering dentures. If you’re worried about how dentures will affect your smile, don’t be. Dentures can be customized to match the shape of your mouth and the rest of your face.
Dentures are the closest option to natural teeth, and they can be made to match your existing teeth perfectly. They’re also custom-made for your mouth, so they fit better and are more comfortable than other alternatives.
Dentures also have a lot of the same properties as natural teeth. They can withstand chewing forces, so you can eat all your favorite foods without worrying about damaging them. They even move in response to pressure from hot or cold liquids, just like natural teeth.
3. Dentures Improve Chewing Ability
One of the great benefits of getting dentures is an improved chewing ability. When you have dentures, you can chew on any foods you want without worrying about adjusting your bite or trying to fit it in your mouth. This makes eating much more fun and less stressful, which you can appreciate. Dentures can be made to fit any size mouth, so they’ll fit comfortably in your mouth. This means that they won’t cause discomfort or pain when you chew food or eat certain foods.
4. Dentures Are Affordable
If you’re worried about the cost of dentures, rest assured, there’s a good chance they’ll be more affordable than you think. Many people pay for their dentures out of pocket, but if you have dental insurance, there’s a good chance it’ll cover some or all of your costs. Dentures are affordable because they’re removable and replaceable. Dentures are removable, meaning you can take them out daily to clean and brush your natural teeth, which helps keep them healthy and strong. Dentures are also replaceable, which means that if you lose or damage your dentures, you can get a new one for less than the cost of getting a single crown.
5. Dentures Make You Look Youthful
You might be surprised to know that getting dentures can make you look more youthful. If you’re wondering how that’s possible, it’s because your mouth is one of the first places to show signs of aging. As you age, your mouth tends to lose elasticity and volume. That means dentures can help restore some of the youthfulness lost over time, and they also help protect your natural teeth from further damage.
Cons Of Getting Dentures
Now, you’re probably wondering what the cons are of getting dentures after knowing the pros. Here are some of the disadvantages:
1. Dentures Can Cause Allergic Reactions
Dentures can worsen your symptoms by exposing your mouth to potential allergens if you’re already prone to allergies. This is especially true if you have dentures made from a material that isn’t biocompatible, such as metal or acrylic. Allergies are more likely to flare up if you have dentures that fit poorly, so it’s essential to get them fitted and adjusted as necessary.
You can also try wearing a protective barrier over your gums to reduce exposure to allergens. The dentures themselves may also be the source of your allergies. They’re made from materials such as plastic or metal, and one of these may be causing you problems.
If you suffer from allergies, see your dentist as soon as possible so that they can help you find a pair of dentures that won’t trigger any reactions.
2. Dentures May Cause Infection
If you have dentures, you may risk developing an infection in your mouth or throat. The infection is called denture stomatitis and can be very painful. The most common symptoms of a denture-related infection are pain and swelling in your gums. You may also experience difficulty speaking or eating. Infections in the mouth or throat can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications. For example, an infection in your gum tissues may spread to a nearby nerve and cause facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy).
Bacteria in your mouth cause dental infections. If you wear dentures, the bacteria may be able to travel from your mouth into the denture base material. The bacteria can then multiply and cause an infection in your gums.
If you have dentures, it’s essential to keep them clean by brushing them after every meal or snack. You should also clean the denture base material with water and dish soap, pat dry with a soft cloth, and store them upside down when not in use.
3. Dentures May Not Be A Permanent Solution
Dentures aren’t a permanent solution to missing teeth. They’re made of soft materials that’ll wear down over time and, thus, must be replaced every few years. That being said, it may be worth considering dental implants if you have an active lifestyle and want something that’s permanent. Dental implants are made from titanium and can last a lifetime if properly cared for.
More so, dentures are considered to be a temporary solution as they’re removable. Additionally, due to this fact, it’s important for patients to schedule regular dental visits so their dentures can be properly maintained.
4. Uncomfortable Fitting
If you’ve had dentures for a while, you know that they can sometimes be pretty uncomfortable. They can shift around in your mouth, which makes them feel like they’re always getting caught on something and falling out of place. You might also find that your gums don’t heal as quickly or as well with dentures as they do with natural teeth.
It’s not uncommon for patients to experience discomfort in their mouths after having dentures. This is usually because the teeth don’t fit properly and can cause irritation of the gums. Your dentist may be able to adjust your dentures until they fit correctly again. But, if this doesn’t work, then you may need a new set made by a specialist.
Conclusion
If you’re considering getting dentures, you must know all the facts surrounding this option before finalizing your decision. That way, you can make an informed choice and be confident that you’re doing what’s suitable for your health. With the pros and cons provided in this article, you’ll surely be able to discern whether or not dentures will be worth it for the long haul.