Dentures are dental prostheses, also known as false teeth, that are used to replace permanent teeth that are either missing or are indicated for extraction. The missing teeth can be in either one arch or both arches. The dentist customizes the dentures to fit comfortably according to the patient’s jaw size and shape. Why Do We Need Dentures? In today’s period, people are opting for dentures because of poor oral hygiene, which leads to teeth falling out or the teeth getting carious to the extent that extraction is needed. To replace these teeth, dentures are required. There are many reasons why dentures are needed. Some of them are as follows: -Missing teeth: Due to poor dental hygiene, which includes not brushing two times a day and not flossing, the teeth of the person start to develop carious lesions, which ultimately destroy the tooth. For such cases, extractions are needed. To replace these missing teeth, dentures are required. -Esthetics: Due to the gapping present in the teeth of some patients, they are embarrassed to smile in gatherings and thus opt for dentures to prevent social embarrassment. In these patients, the teeth are technically very healthy. -Exfoliation or shifting of teeth: In some patients that are suffering from chronic periodontal disease, the bone loss is mostly horizontal and is to such an extent that the soft supporting tissue leaves its attachment with the tooth, making them mobile. The mobility of the teeth ultimately leads to tooth loss. Dentures are the solution to this problem. -Bleeding or sore gums: Patients in which the gums are sore, taut, painful, and bleeding are suffering from periodontitis. This can be generalized or localized, and it can also be acute or chronic. The treatment option that patients with this disease prefer is the use of dentures.

Steps In Getting Dentures The steps that are involved in the process of making dentures are as follows: -A dental examination or check-up: The first step is to examine the patient's teeth and determine the state of the patient's oral health. During this examination, the dentist will search for any signs of infection, tooth decay, or previous dental work that can hinder the denture process and search for any other teeth that may need removal before placing the dentures. -Making the dentures: After the consultation, the dentist will take an impression of the teeth and measurements to ensure that the dentures fit the remaining teeth exactly. These results are then sent to a dental lab that will build the dentures to the specifications. -Fitting the dentures: After completion of the dentures, they are brought to the patient for a fitting to ensure the dentures fit without issue. It is made sure that the patient can use the dentures without pain or issue. -Adapting to dentures: While there will not be any pain, it may take some time to adapt to wearing the dentures, eating, and speaking with the dentures, but the patient will eventually have the same function and control as with regular teeth. The Pros And Cons Of Dentures Every dental device or prosthesis has its benefits, and also there are present shortcomings. They are as follows: Pros Of Getting Dentures: -Dentures provide the patient with a natural, confident, and radiant smile. This helps boost the patient’s self-confidence. -Dentures affect the appearance of the entire face because if a person is missing teeth, their face will appear sunken. Dentures will help make the face look fuller and livelier. -Dentures are the best option for all ages, be it a young person or an aged person. This is because they do not need healthy bones and jaw for their placement, while on the other hand, other dental devices like dental implants require the presence of strong bones. -The maintenance of dentures is very easy. You can clean them when you have them on, or you can remove them and then clean them with a soft brush and mouth rinses. -Dentures are less costly than implants, making them the most affordable option for most patients. -If additional teeth are lost in the future, it is easy to modify the dentures to accommodate the loss. Cons Of Getting Dentures: -They do not quite look as natural as dental implants. -Dentures are not worn overnight. -With time and continuous masticatory load, the dentures start to wear down and need to be replaced. -The preparation to get dentures is a tiring one. This includes the dentist first taking impressions, making molds, removing any decayed teeth, and ensuring the dentures fit properly. This all takes several visits to the dental office. -Dentures sometimes slip around, making it difficult to speak and eat. There are certain foods that cannot be eaten with dentures. Caramel, apples, and corn on the cob are examples.

How To Care For The Dentures It is advised to the patients to care for their dentures. Following are the ways to care for and maintain them: -Remove and rinse the dentures after eating. Run water over the dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. -Handle the dentures carefully. Be sure you do not bend or damage the plastic or the clasps when cleaning. -Clean your mouth after removing your dentures. Brush your natural teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean your tongue, cheeks, and roof of your mouth with gauze or a soft toothbrush. -Brush your dentures at least twice a day. Remove and gently clean your dentures daily. Soak and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque, and other deposits. -Soak dentures overnight. Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution. Check with your dentist about properly storing your dentures overnight. FAQs -What Can You Not Eat With Dentures? It is not recommended by the dentist that you eat hard and processed food or candies that may damage the dentures- for example, caramel, apples, and corn on the cob. -Are Dentures Comfortable? Those who don't like dental implants or the pain they cause often use dentures. In addition to being comfortable and functional, dentures can be worn throughout the day without causing discomfort. -What Are The Pros And Cons Of Dentures? For replacing missing teeth, dentures are one of the most cost-effective options. When dentures are not fitted properly, they may loosen and shift over time, causing discomfort and hindering speech and eating. Jaw bone shrinkage can also result from wearing removable dentures for an extended period of time.