ALL ABOUT DENTURES

Missing teeth is something none of us like, but it is more common than you think.

According to the American College of Prosthodontists more than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth whilst 120 million have at least one tooth missing.

Tooth loss can be caused by various reasons such as trauma, injury, cavities, genetic issues, or gum disease and although patients might think dentures are uncomfortable or high maintenance, they are actually an affordable and effective way to give you back your smile and confidence.

Aesthetics aside, dentures are also crucial for eating and talking and will help support your jaw preventing your face from having that sunken appearance.

What are dentures?

Traditional full dentures are removable restorations (artificial teeth) that are formed to the shape of your mouth to replace missing teeth. They are custom designed here at Bonaventure Dental Care to fit your mouth whilst if you need partial dentures these will be made to match your existing teeth.

They are created using an acrylic resin for the base and porcelain, zirconia, and other natural looking materials for the teeth. Be warned however, they can chip or crack if dropped so be careful when removing them and in terms of what you eat.

Why would you need dentures?

Dentures can be full or partial and are used to replace one or a few teeth to a full top and bottom set. If just one or a few teeth are missing, then partial dentures can often be used instead of other methods such as bridges if the surrounding teeth are not strong enough to support these. 

Dentures are worn to help keep the structure of the mouth by supporting the bone and jaw whilst they also enable you to eat a well-balanced, healthy diet that could be compromised with missing teeth. 

How do dentures work?

First, we take a mold of your mouth and gums at our Baton Rouge dental office so a perfect set of dentures can be made that are well-fitting. Each set is held in place by suction. Oral adhesive can also be used if necessary.

New dentures may feel a little strange initially and may cause some slight irritation, but the muscles in your cheeks and tongue will adapt and adjust and it will become more comfortable to place and remove them with time.

Visibly, as they are made to closely resemble your natural teeth, there should be only a small noticeable change and the dentures will give you the confidence to smile again.

How do you maintain your dentures?

Dentures need to be cleaned daily just like teeth as plaque or bacteria can build up and harm any other natural teeth you still have and of course your gums.

You can clean your dentures by removing them from your mouth, rinsing them in clean running water and then brush them with a denture brush or soft toothbrush using mild soap or a denture cleaner. Regular toothbrushes and toothpaste are too abrasive and can damage dentures so shouldn’t be used. Whilst your dentures are out, make sure you then clean your gums and any natural teeth with a soft toothbrush or washcloth if brushing is too harsh.

It’s best to remove dentures whilst sleeping to avoid damage and also to give your gums chance to relax. Submerge them in warm water or denture soaking solution if advised.

If you would like any more questions answered about dentures or would like to discuss your options further check out our website page on dentures here or just get in touch us with at Bonaventure Dental Care via 225 753 0123 – we’d be happy to help.