Unfortunately, tooth loss is still a prevalent problem in dentistry. Even though teeth should last a lifetime, few people have this leisure. Instead, many people experience multiple tooth losses in their lifetime. The good news is that you do not have to be toothless when there are incredible solutions for replacing teeth, like dentures.
What Are Dentures?
They are oral appliances that replace missing teeth. Dentists in Calgary, AB, employ dentures in cases of multiple missing teeth. Dentures are ideal when you have more than four missing teeth in a row. Otherwise, you can benefit from other tooth replacement treatments like dental bridges or implants.
How Do Dentures Work?
Depending on your preferences, you can get dentures immediately after tooth loss or wait until your mouth has healed completely. The best dentures are customized to fit like a glove. A dentist in SE Calgary would take impressions of your mouth to use as measurement guides for customizing your dentures. During installation, you can choose to have removable or permanent dentures.
For permanent dentures, you need to undergo another procedure to insert dental implants that will anchor the dentures in your mouth. If you are unsure about how to progress with your treatment for dentures near you, liaise with one of our denturists at Sedona Dental for more in-depth information.
What Are the Stages of Getting Dentures?
- Dental examination – the dentist evaluates your teeth to determine the state of your oral health and the suitability of dentures for your smile.
- Making the dentures – custom-made dentures are prepared in a dental laboratory and may take about two weeks. During this time, your dentist will have you wear a temporary denture before your permanent one is ready.
- Fitting the dentures – on your second dental visit, your dentist will install the dentures. This is the time to communicate with your dentist if you have any discomfort that may point to ill-fitting dentures.
- Adapting to dentures – your dentist will prepare you with tips to help you acclimatize to your new teeth.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
The durability of dentures differs from one patient to another. Typically, dentures can last between 10 and 20 years. Your efforts to care for your teeth well after your treatment will determine the longevity of your dentures. Some of the factors that can damage your dentures are:
- Eating hard and crunchy foods regularly
- Poor oral habits – like biting fingernails or opening bottles with your teeth.
- Excessive teeth grinding and clenching
- Improper bites – typical for patients with orthodontic problems like overcrowding.
- Dental trauma – an injury or accident can crack or break your dentures.
Signs You Need New Pair of Dentures
If you are consistent with visiting your dentist’s office near you, you won’t have to know when you need to repair or replace your dentures. Some of the indicators that you need a new pair of dentures are:
- Fractures – if you notice a crack or break on your dentures, visit your dentist as soon as possible for repair or replacement.
- Improper fit – if you have customized dentures, they should fit perfectly. Therefore, once you notice that your dentures are slipping off or moving involuntarily, visit your dentist for customization or replacement.
- Difficulty speaking properly – especially if you constantly fear that your dentures will fall off.
- Trouble chewing well – although dentures are not exactly like natural teeth, you should be able to chew and eat well.
- Dental pain in your jawbone and mouth sores along your gum line – indicates that your dentures are ill-fitting.
- Discoloration or staining – dentures cannot be whitened. Therefore, it may be time to replace them when they catch stains or begin yellowing.
- Reduced oral functionality – dentures typically should improve oral functionality by replacing teeth. Therefore, if you get to a point where your mouth is not functioning as it should despite wearing dentures, it may be time to replace them.
How Often Should You Have Dentures Replaced?
The frequency of denture replacements is relative to good dental care measures. Patients who care for their teeth well may not need to replace their dentures for many years. Still, dental experts recommend replacing your dentures every 5-7 years to maintain a healthy and functional mouth. Besides, denture replacement is not just about teeth but also your gum health.