How Dentures Can Restore Functionality and Improve Aesthetics

When people turn to their orthodontists to improve the aesthetic aspect of their teeth, more often than not they are presented with several dental procedures to choose from. Ultimately, they opt for the one that results in the highest level of functionality.   

We’ve already discussed the benefits and differences of orthodontic treatment and cosmetic dentistry procedures, and for the following article, we wish to focus on dentures -to highlight their benefits, provide the most essential maintenance tips, and give general input on what to expect after receiving dentures.

What are dentures and why you need them

Dentures represent a set of artificial teeth utilised to fully restore dental functionality. Though many associate them with old age, dentures can be prescribed to patients of all ages. Namely, whether or not a person needs dentures depends solely on the state of their teeth. At Oceanic Dental Laboratory, we create dentures made from the highest quality Ivoclar, Vertex or Valplast® materials, which means you can expect your teeth to look as close to natural as possible.   

There are several reasons why someone would decide to go for dentures instead of an alternative dental treatment or a procedure, the two most common being:

• A patient has multiple missing teeth which are usually a result of a periodontal disease;
• A patient has teeth with multiple cavities which require replacement.

After they receive dentures (and get used to them), patients report that they feel an improvement in eating and speech. This dental solution also helps prevent sagging of the facial muscles.

Types of dentures

In order to receive the most optimal dentures, it will require a few fitting appointments to ensure they are just right for your jaw. But before you get to this part, you have to consult with your dentist which dentures you should receive. This depends on the overall state of your teeth, and there are two options:

• Partial dentures. As their name suggests, partial dentures are suitable for patients who only require certain teeth to be replaced. They can be built on a chrome metal framework, or made of acrylic or Valplast® materials, and are designed to attach to your teeth. A partial denture relies on some of your remaining natural teeth which serve as anchors and keep the artificial teeth in place.
• Complete dentures. A complete denture is created for patients who have no teeth remaining in their mouth. There are two types:
  • conventional complete denture which is placed only after the gum tissue is completely healed from teeth removal and any other procedures;
  • immediate full denture that can be placed immediately after the last tooth has been removed.  

When it comes to materials used to create partial and complete dentures, two of the most commonly used are:

• Acrylic dentures. They provide excellent aesthetics and can blend with your natural teeth.
• Chrome dentures. They provide excellent aesthetics like acrylic ones but are considered more comfortable and secure. Chrome dentures also showed to be easier in terms of oral hygiene.
• Valplast®. They provide excellent aesthetics, are very comfortable, and are metal free and highly retentive.

Living with dentures

Although the change is for the good, it will take some time to get used to dentures. Some of the most common challenges people face are:

• Slipping dentures. This most commonly occurs while smiling, sneezing, coughing, or laughing, which can easily be solved with a gentle bite of the dentures, followed by swallowing that will put them back in place. Getting a denture to reline at your Dentist will solve this.
• Loose dentures. In the beginning, patients are advised to use some denture adhesive to keep the teeth in place until they get used to their dentures. Getting a denture to reline will improve the fit if it I an old denture.
• Irritation. It will take time to accommodate to a foreign object in the mouth, and a light pain is quite expected. Consult with your dentist to receive mild painkillers, or try gargling with salt water to cleanse the irritated area.
• Eating Until you adjust to the dentures fully, stick to soft foods that don’t require much chewing.  

Best denture care

In time, dentures require relining, rebasing or a complete remake, all of which may result from normal and expected wear. To know whether or not it is time for any of these procedures, it is essential to pay a regular visit to the dentist.

In the meantime, patients are advised to:

• Always keep their dentures in either plain water or in a denture cleanser soaking solution when they are not being used actively;
• Use only a pea-sized drop of adhesive, if at all;
• Brush the dentures thoroughly on a daily basis to remove any leftover food and plaque;
• Brush the dentures over a folded towel in case they fall, since dentures are quite fragile;
• Brush their tongue and gums every morning prior to inserting the dentures.

Bottom line

Dentures are an effective way to completely restore dental functionality after losing a few, or all teeth. When created by dental professionals and from quality materials, they can replace natural teeth, both in terms of function and visual appeal.