By Gentle Touch Dentistry Richardson
Dentures is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure, used to resolve missing tooth issues. When some or even all of your natural teeth goes missing, due to an accident, tooth decay, infection or gum disease, dental dentures prove to be an effective way to replace your set of missing teeth.
In this regard there are 3 types of dentures available, depending upon its functionality:
- COMPLETE DENTURES: When the entire set of teeth in either your upper jaw or lower jaw or both are replaced, it is known as complete or full dentures. Basically, in case of a full denture, the lower portion of the custom-made permanent denture is prepared such that it mimics your original gum tissue. It is made up of acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate) and therefore, its surfaces can be highly polished to render a natural look. Also it keeps bacteria from building up on your dentures. A denture adhesive is used to hold the dentures in place.
- PARTIAL DENTURES: When some of the teeth are missing and need to be replaced with a new set of that number of teeth, partial dentures are used.
- TEMPORARY DENTURES: These are the ones that are fitted to the site of your teeth temporarily, while the custom-made permanent ones are being made in the laboratory.
- FLEXIBLE DENTURES: Flexible dentures, as their name suggests are easily removable. They are applicable in case of partial dentures and are made of a different material, nylon (which is a thermoplastic), rather than the much heavier acrylic used in the complete dentures.
Facts about Dentures that you must know
The starting phase for using dentures should not be much of a cause of worry for you, since all new adaptations cause a bit uneasiness!
- For the first few days after getting dentures, it is advisable not to open them at night while you go to sleep. Wear them for 24 hours because, especially after extractions, your gums remain swollen. Taking out the dentures might not allow them to be fitted properly again.
- Even after the use of suction and clasps to hold dentures in place, denture adhesive aids enhanced retention and stability.
- Eating and speaking feels difficult for a while. Usually individuals take about 1 to 2 months to fully accustom themselves with the use of dentures. Although you need to start with soft foods, eventually you can munch on anything after your dentures settle tight in their place.
- Dentures (especially partial dentures) need to be cleaned regularly by placing them in a solutions like alkaline peroxides, acid cleaners or bleaches to make it germ-free and clean. Also while you have opened them use a mouthwash!
- Dentures being made from acrylic are fragile. Therefore, these too, need to be handled with care. Biting on too hard substances carelessly (especially at an earlier stage of getting dentures done) might fracture them!
In a nutshell, dentures too need to be handled with care. Depending upon the heat cure that is applied on your denture (that helps to hold the denture in place) the cost of dentures may vary from a meagre $500 to a whopping $3000. Apart from your dental needs, determining the type of denture, greatly depends upon your affordability too. Visit your dentist to discuss details in order to click the option that suits you the best!
SOURCES
https://www.medicinenet.com/dentures/article.htm#how_much_do_dentures_cost
