Tooth loss can happen to anyone at any point in their lives. While it might be a scary thing to experience, you can rest assured that you’re not alone and there are lots of different ways for you to still achieve a bright, beautiful smile! Dentures are one of the more common ways to give you the smile you deserve, and with today’s technology, dentures can look nearly identical to your natural teeth, so you will still look like you! The idea of living with dentures can be quite daunting, especially for younger patients, but we’re here to try to alleviate some of your worries and ensure that you end up with a smile you can be proud of!
In this blog, we’ve broken down some of the important facts you need to know about living with dentures so you can continue to love and be proud of your smile for years to come!
Living With Dentures: What Are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial gums and teeth that are created by your dentist to replace your natural teeth that may have been lost or removed. They are specially formed to your mouth and can be either full or partial. This means that they can either replace all your teeth on either the top or bottom or just a few that are missing. Regardless of the type of dentures you may require, they will be custom designed to fit your mouth and visually match the rest of your natural teeth to replicate your original smile. Dentures can take some time to get used to, but after a bit of practice with speaking and eating soft foods, you’ll be able to use them normally in no time!
How to Care for Dentures
While caring for your dentures might seem like a large task, it’s actually quite simple. Like you would care for your regular teeth, you want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your new teeth daily. Rinsing them before you brush will help remove any loose food and soaking your dentures when you’re not wearing them will help keep them from warping. It’s also important to clean all areas of your mouth, not just your teeth and dentures. Brushing your gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth will help prevent oral irritation and will help to combat bad breath. And while you can sleep with your dentures in, most dentists will advise against this as taking them out overnight provides your gums and mouth with a chance to relax. It’s important to continue regular appointments with your dentist to assess the fit of your dentures. We can recommend measures to avoid more serious issues.
How Long Will My Dentures Last?
Like any prosthetic, the longevity of your dentures will depend on your individual circumstances, the type of denture you receive and how well they are cared for. Eventually, dentures will need to be relined or replaced due to regular wear and other natural changes that happen over time. Bone loss and gum recession can cause dentures to become ill-fitting. It’s important to continue to see your dentist regularly for routine exams and if you begin to see signs of wear.
Whether you already have dentures, know someone who has them, or are considering getting them yourself, this information will hopefully help put your mind at ease and provide you with some insight into living with dentures.