Are you suffering from missing teeth and desire to make a change? Does it embarrass you to smile? Are you lacking the confidence you used to have? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to either of these questions, then you’re ready to restore your life to normal. Thus, your family dentist in Attleboro is weighing in with information on a viable way to accomplish your goal of regaining the way of life you’ve lost – with dentures. Learn about them as you continue reading!
What are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic appliances that consist of two main parts: the gums/base and the teeth. The former is composed of a resin compound that is mounted on a metal base, while the teeth can be made from either a resin compound or porcelain.
Dentures serve several purposes, including:
- They prevent bone degeneration in the jaw that can occur from the absence of teeth.
- Dentures also allow you to chew food once again, which opens the door to enjoying your favorite edibles.
- You’ll also enjoy the ability to pronounce words with more clarity with your new teeth.
- With your new dentures, there’ll be no more shying away from photos, because you’ll have a fully restored smile.
Another Option for Dentures?
Traditional dentures are removable and offer limited support for your jawbone because they rest on your gums. There is another option that offers more stability – implant-retained dentures. They either snap or attach with a bar to dental implants and provide a level of security and feel that is the closest to your natural teeth.
The reason this procedure provides so much support for your jawbone is because of the implant, a surgically inserted titanium post that is affixed to your underlying bone. Acting as your missing tooth roots, it fulfills both your structural and aesthetic needs.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
When you make an investment into your oral health, you want to be sure that you’ll get the most longevity possible. The lifespan of dentures is usually 5 to 10 years, but there are cases where they’ve lasted even longer. The main determinate of their longevity is how you care for them.
Keep these tips in mind to get the most out of them:
- If you have removable dentures, then they should be taken out at night to be rinsed, cleaned and soaked to prevent bacteria growth in your mouth, keep your prosthetics pliable and allow your gums to rest.
- If wearing implant-retained dentures, you should clean them as if they were your normal teeth. Be sure to use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that is designed for dentures to prevent damaging them with harsh abrasives.
You’ve suffered long enough from the lifestyle changes that come along with missing teeth, but now you have an avenue to restore your life to normal. The first step is to reach out to your local dentist to schedule a consultation. Your new life awaits you!
About the Author
A graduate of the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry, Dr. William Herr is highly skilled in working with complex dental issues in such areas as prosthodontics, implant dentistry, and oral surgery. He practices at Capron Park Dental and can be reached for more information through his website.