What They Don’t Tell You About Dentures

Dentures are false teeth used to replace missing teeth in the mouth. There are two types of dentures: complete and partial dentures. True to their name, complete dentures are recommended when all of your teeth are missing. Your dentist will recommend partial dentures when some of your teeth remain.

Complete Dentures

These can be classified as either immediate or conventional. Conventional dentures are made after tooth extraction and placed in your mouth about twelve weeks after the procedure. Unlike their counterparts, immediate dentures are designed before the tooth extraction procedure and are ready for placement anytime.

There is no need to wait when it comes to these. However, there is a downside to this as you may experience gum and bone shrinkage throughout the healing period. This way, the dentures will need more adjustments to have a proper fit. This is the reason they act as temporary solutions before you receive conventional dentures.

Partials/Bridges

Partial dentures consist of artificial teeth attached to a plastic base with a metal framework to anchor it in position. They replace one or multiple teeth by fitting crowns on the teeth neighboring the gaps then attaching replacement teeth to them before being cemented into position. Besides filling gaps left by missing teeth, bridges prevent the rest of the teeth from shifting.

What are the Alternatives?

Although they are popular among teens and adults, dentures may not be the ideal choice for everyone. If you think this isn’t the treatment for you, it is good to open your eyes to the several alternatives in cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants for one can be used in place of dentures. Although they come at a great cost, they bear a close resemblance to natural teeth.

Your dentist may also recommend denture implants for more stability.

Does My Insurance Cover this Procedure?

It isn’t uncommon for most insurances to cover a fraction of the whole cost of dentures. You are, however, advised to visit your insurance provider for more clarification.

How will New Denture Feel?

Normally, they may feel loose or odd within the first few weeks. With time, your tongue and cheek muscles will adapt, and wearing them won’t cause any discomfort. You may also experience soreness, minor irritation, and an increase in saliva flow. As your mouth adjusts, these problems will fade.

Will I Look different in Dentures?

Because they are designed to resemble your natural teeth closely, very few keen people will notice the change in your appearance. These devices may brighten your smile and improve your facial appearance.

Will I Experience any Difficulties Eating?

For first-time users, there will be some discomfort while eating weeks after the procedure. The trick is starting with soft foods and chewing slowly with both of your mouth’s sides. Continue adding more foods until you return to your normal diet. Care should be taken when eating hard or hot foods, not forgetting shells and bones with sharp edges.

Also, stay away from extremely hard or sticky foods and toothpicks too.

Will My Speech be Affected?

Yes. There are certain words you will find hard to pronounce when you first get dentures. You can overcome this by practicing saying them out loud until you can speak properly again. You should reach out to your dentist if your dentures click as you talk. They may also slip when you cough, smile, or laugh. To reposition them, gently bite down and swallow.

For How Long Should I Wear Them?

The required time of wearing dentures is entirely dependent on your prosthodontist’s instructions. Within the first few weeks after getting dentures, you may be required to wear them all day, even when you sleep. This may be uncomfortable, but it is the only way to identify the areas with flaws that may require adjustments.

Once the necessary adjustments are complete, you can now remove them before sleeping. This relaxes the gum tissues and facilitates normal stimulation and cleansing by the saliva and tongue.

Finding the Right Dentist Office

Our dental team of experts understands the misery tooth gaps can cause you. That is the reason we are committed to offering you denture services, among other comprehensive treatment options. Are you in Omaha or the surrounding communities, visit us at Anding Family Dental in Omaha, NE today!