Dentures are the most financially feasible option when it comes to replacing missing teeth. This is because their creation process is relatively faster than other options. With dentures, there’s no need for surgical procedures or the placement of dental crowns. Instead, the dentist simply takes an impression of your mouth and proceeds to a laboratory for fabrication. After only a few weeks, the dentures are ready for fitting. Dentures are highly versatile and can be used whether you need to replace a single tooth or an entire set of teeth.
In the following discussion, we’ll delve into a comprehensive exploration of dentures, considering their types, benefits and drawbacks.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial gums and teeth expertly crafted by dentists to serve as replacements for natural teeth that have been extracted or lost. They come in two variations: partial and full dentures. Adapting to dentures might require an adjustment period as they don’t provide the same sensation as your original teeth. Your dentist will guide you in selecting the suitable denture type, considering the quantity of teeth requiring replacement and the associated costs.
Types of Dentures
- Partial Dentures:
Partial dentures are replacement teeth affixed to a gum-colored or pink base. This base is attached to a metal framework to help secure the denture within your mouth. Partial dentures are ideal when you have one or more remaining teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. Learn more about partial dentures, types and cost on this link https://dentakay.com/partial-dentures/
- Full Dentures:
Full dentures can be either immediate or conventional. A complete set of dentures is crafted after the removal of all teeth, and once the gums have begun to heal. Immediate dentures, on the other hand, are prepared in advance and can be placed right after tooth extraction. This ensures you’re not without teeth during the recovery phase. Following tooth removal, gums and bones tend to shrink, especially during the healing process. Immediate dentures need additional adjustments to ensure a proper fit during this healing period, and are typically considered a temporary solution.
Advantages of Opting for Dentures
Before deciding to invest in dentures, having a comprehensive understanding is crucial. Here are some notable benefits associated with dentures:
- Speedy Procedure
In comparison to various other dental procedures, the process is really fast. For instance, the installation of dental implants involves multiple visits to the dentist spanning from six months to two years. In contrast, the creation and fitting of dentures typically only demand a period of two to six weeks. In urgent situations, it’s even conceivable to have your dentures crafted and fitted in only two days.
- Enhanced Support for Jaw Weakness
As we age, the muscles within the jaw and mouth tend to lose strength. Dentures offer valuable support to these areas, giving a natural look to your jawline, mouth, and cheekbones.
- Natural Look and Feel
Addressing concerns about comfort, dentures gradually acclimate to your mouth following the initial adjustment phase. Ultimately, they offer a natural and seamless feel. The remarkable aspect is that, once settled in, no one will be able to tell whether you’re wearing dentures or not.
- Cost-Effective Solution
Dentures emerge as the most economical tooth replacement option and are suitable for individuals of all age groups. If you’re a seeking budget-friendly option, dentures may be ideal for you.
- Enhanced Eating Abilities
Missing teeth can pose challenges while eating. Following the initial adaptation phase, dentures restore your capacity to enjoy a diverse range of foods, including harder items like nuts or apple slices. You should work with your dentist to discuss food choices and strategies for eating with your dentures. For instance, cutting your food into smaller portions before consumption is better.
- Improved Smile
Given that dentures serve as a viable replacement for natural teeth, they notably elevate your overall physical appearance, contributing to a more appealing smile.
- Revitalised Youthful Appearance
Dentures have the capacity to enhance the appearance of your cheeks and chin by providing necessary structural support. This results in a rejuvenated and youthful look that effectively bolsters your self-confidence.
Disadvantages of Dentures:
Despite their numerous benefits, dentures also come with certain downsides. Here are the disadvantages associated with dentures:
- Initial Adjustment Period
Dentures, though ultimately comfortable, need a transitional phase. Initially, wearing dentures might pose some challenges, especially when it comes to speaking and eating. Over time, these discomforts tend to diminish as you become accustomed to them though.
- Non-Permanent Solution
Dentures are not a permanent fix and may require replacement every five to eight years due to changes in your facial structure.
- Potential for Infection
Poorly fitting dentures can lead to infections, such as yeast infections, if they are not properly aligned with your gums.
- Impaired Taste Sensation
While you can still eat with dentures, you might experience a reduced sense of taste. This occurs because the upper palate is covered by the dentures, affecting your ability to fully taste your food. Also, inadequate cleaning can lead to issues like bad breath and an altered taste sensation.
- Frequent Need for Refitting
Dentures may require ongoing adjustments to ensure proper fit. Ill-fitting dentures can lead to stomatitis, a condition marked by inflammation of the lips and mouth due to the irritation caused by poorly fitting dentures.
- Gagging Sensation
In cases where you struggle to adapt to dentures, persistent gagging can occur. This discomfort might even prevent you from wearing the dentures for extended periods. Gagging may be caused by the dentures extending into sensitive areas like the back of the throat, tongue, and palate.
- Potential Allergic Reactions
Dentures have the potential to irritate your gums and teeth, possibly leading to allergic reactions or severe infections such as abscesses. You may have to get antibiotics to address this reaction.
Caring for Your Dentures
Follow these guidelines to properly care for your dentures:
- Handle them over a basin of water or a folded towel to avoid breakage in case they slip and fall.
- Always place them in a soaking solution when you take them out.
- Brush them daily to remove plaque and food residue.
- Gently brush your tongue, palate, and gums every morning with a soft-bristled toothbrush before inserting the dentures.
- If your dentures chip, crack, break, or become loose, make an appointment to see your dentist.
For those seeking affordable dentures in Turkey, feel free to reach out to us by booking a consultation or visiting us at our clinic. We’re always happy to help!
