Dentures are a set of artificial teeth made from materials designed to mimic the teeth’s aesthetics. These dental devices allow you to chew food, speak, and enhance your facial and dental appearance. The team at Family Dentistry of West Chester will guide you in choosing the right dentures West Chester to restore your oral health.
Why opt for dentures?
When you have missing teeth, your face can progressively change its shape. Jawbone deterioration can give your face a sunken look. Dentures affect the structure of the mouth and enhance its shape and tone.
Dentures can be a cost-effective and convenient option even with unhealthy teeth and gums. Implants, bridges, and other alternative procedures require a healthy jawbone.
Missing teeth also cause gaps that can lead to the teeth shifting inwards towards the mouth. Spaces between the teeth may eventually become malocclusions. Dentures restore your ability to chew and eat food while preventing issues with teeth alignment.
Dentures are also easier to maintain than other procedures. They typically require a rinse after a meal. It is advisable to store them in a glass of water or a moist environment when you sleep. While removing them at night is not always necessary, but it can minimize gum soreness and discomfort.
Fitting different types of dentures
The process of fitting dentures will largely depend on the number of missing teeth. There are two principal options; complete and partial dentures. Your provider will take accurate impressions of your teeth before sending them to a lab for fabrication.
Complete dentures
Complete dentures are fitted in cases where you need to remove your teeth. The fitting provides a replacement for a complete set of upper or lower teeth.
Sometimes the patient has to wait until the gum heals to fit a complete denture. Otherwise, the jawbone and gum may change shape in a few weeks after removing teeth. You will need a replacement and realignment to restore the denture’s efficacy.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures use metal, nylon, or plastic clips to secure the teeth. The process is ideal for people with one or a few missing teeth.
The dentures are attached to surrounding teeth. Therefore, it only works when the neighboring teeth and healthy. Although they are affixed with a clip, you can easily remove them after eating or sleeping.
How long do dentures last?
Materials used for dentures are not as strong as the tooth’s enamel. Therefore, even the highest quality dentures will not last forever. Typically, you will need a replacement after approximately 7 to 10 years.
Some signs you need a replacement include dentures falling out when you speak or chew food. Dentures are designed to remain in place by friction alone. Your provider can make the necessary adjustments to improve comfort.
Proper care is essential for preventing denture discoloration and extending its lifespan. You may want to remove dentures when taking wine or caffeinated drinks. Nevertheless, a replacement is also necessary if the dentures start yellowing or changing color.
Contact Family Dentistry of West Chester to schedule a dentures appointment today.
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