Dentures are custom-made false teeth intended to replace missing teeth. They can replace an entire arch of teeth or just a few missing teeth. Full dentures, or dentures that replace all your teeth, are held by the hard and soft palates while partial dentures are usually held by adjacent teeth. If you have lost teeth due to decay or gum disease, your dentist may recommend dentures, which offer several advantages to their wearers.
One of the greatest benefits of dentures is that they restore basic function to their users. Individual patients who may have struggled to eat comfortably and speak clearly before receiving their dentures will find that dentures make it more convenient to do both. They will no longer have to limit their diet to liquids or soft foods, and they will often find it simpler to enunciate their words.
Another major benefit of dentures is the restoration of the individual's appearance. The loss of teeth can lead to the cheeks and lips to collapse inward. Facial muscles can even begin to atrophy over time, making it even more difficult to speak and eat clearly. The face often begins to take on an aged appearance quickly as wrinkles appear or deepen around the mouth and cheeks. Dentures replace the missing teeth which help support and stimulate the muscles in the face.
Dentures that fit securely and stably in the mouth can make a great difference in an individual's life. The person can feel more comfortable by having their lost teeth replaced with bright, healthy-looking new teeth, and a well-fitting denture will lower any risk of discomfort due to slipping or gum irritation.
If you and your dentist decide that you are a candidate for dentures, you will begin with a comprehensive dental assessment. Dental impressions may be taken to provide the dental laboratory with an accurate mold of your mouth so that they can design your new teeth. Once your teeth have been made, you will return to your dentist's office to have them fitted. Your dentist will explain how you can properly care for your new dentures in order to optimize their lifespan. Cleaning your dentures and your gums is important to maintaining good dental health. Your dentures must also be kept in water or a denture solution when you are not using them.
New denture styles, which are commonly made of acrylic, result in a close, comfortable fit. They may be designed as removable partial or complete dentures, or they may be meant to be used with dental implants for a more permanent restoration. You will need to visit your dentist every year or as instructed to ensure your dentures still fit adequately or to have them relined or remade as needed.
At Wilshire Dental Care, Los Angeles dental office, our Los Angeles dentures specialist can determine if dentures are the right option for your problem of missing teeth.