Losing teeth prematurely is an eventuality dreaded by everyone. Unfortunately, it happens to many people across the world, with most of it having to do with dental decay. Since adult teeth do not grow back after extraction, finding a dentist in Universal City, TX to restore your smile is crucial.
Dental restorations today are more advanced than have been several years back. Different oral appliances can be used appropriately to restore a smile, even for toothless patients. Dentures have stood the test of time as reliable for dental restoration procedures in dentistry.
What Are Dentures?
They are oral appliances featuring artificial teeth that are used to replace missing teeth. Dentures are fashioned to mimic natural teeth so that they have artificial teeth attached to a gum-like base that snaps over your gum tissue.
In the past, dentures were commonly used as a restorative treatment for old people who have lost all their teeth to aging. Today, however, dentures come in different types and forms, making them versatile for use even by younger patients.
Types of Dentures
There are four main types or categories of dentures:
- Conventional full denture – they are the most common types and have been available for many years. The full dentures feature all types of teeth as they are made to replace all teeth. If you have any natural teeth remaining, a dentist in a denture care center would have to extract them before placing conventional full dentures.
- Partial dentures – these are becoming more popular today in Universal Dental. They serve to replace few missing teeth in the mouth, which is why they are becoming popular. When you still want to retain the remaining natural teeth in your mouth, all you need are partial dentures to replace only the lost teeth. Partial dentures can be used to replace teeth in any part of your mouth. The only requirement is that the lost teeth should be missing in a row.
- Immediate dentures – it features the types of dentures that are pre-made and available for all patients. They ensure that you do not go another day without teeth.
- Custom-fitted dentures – they are only manufactured for an individual patient. They are made after the molds of your mouth so that they are tailored exactly to your mouths fit. These dentures are very comfortable because they fit properly.
What To Know Before Getting Dentures
- Get them sooner than later – when you lose your teeth, you may be tempted to take some time before seeking treatment. While there is nothing wrong with that, there may be consequences to your oral health. Without teeth, the bone tissue in your mouth deteriorates. As it wears down, it compromises the support system of your mouth. This way, dentures are likely to feel uncomfortable when you get them later or even be very ill-fitting.
- Opt for custom-fitted dentures – even though they may take some time to be manufactured, customized dentures are the best. Other than offering the perfect fit, you enjoy preference. Ideally, you can choose the type of materials you prefer for your dentures, for maximum comfort and aesthetic advantage.
- Expect soreness – as a first-time wearer of dentures, you will experience some soreness when you put them on. How they snug on your gum tissue and jawbone can leave you feeling sore. However, this feeling shouldn’t last very long, particularly if your dentures fit you properly.
- Practice makes perfect – although your smile is restored, you need some practice to be effortless with using dentures. They will feel bulky on your mouth at first. As you go, however, your mouth will get used to them, allowing you to put your mouth to optimal functioning. In that case, be patient when eating and learning to speak with dentures.
- Proper oral hygiene is paramount – the dentures in your mouth may help your smile better, but you must care for them properly. Since dentures are foreign in your mouth, be keen to ask your dentist about how to clean them properly. Failure to do so will expose you to the risk of getting an infection in your gum tissue, as well as the remaining natural teeth.