Before and After Dentures: What to Expect?
Before and After Dentures” – these words represent a transformative journey toward restoring not just your smile but also your confidence. Missing teeth can really bring down your confidence and make you hesitant to show your smile. But don’t worry, there’s a way to fix it!
In this article, we’ll talk about dentures, a common way to replace missing teeth, and what to expect before and after dentures. It’s all about getting back your smile and feeling good about it!
Before Getting Dentures
Before you get dentures, it’s important to know why missing teeth can be a problem. Your dentist can show you pictures of your smile before and after you get dentures. Here are some reasons why missing teeth can cause issues:
Challenges with Eating
Your teeth aren’t just for show; they’re essential for chewing your food comfortably and enjoying your meals. When you’re missing several teeth, chewing can become tricky and uncomfortable, affecting how much you enjoy the taste and satisfaction of your food.
Struggles with Speaking
Your teeth, lips, and tongue play a crucial role in controlling airflow from your mouth, which is essential for clear speech. Any oral health issues can impact the clarity of your speech and make it difficult for others to understand you.
Impact on Self-Confidence
Feeling self-conscious about your smile can greatly impact your mental well-being and self-perception. Without proper treatment, this may lead to reduced smiling and avoidance of social interactions.
Changes in How Your Face Looks
When you lose teeth, your cheeks may look sunken because your face loses volume. Without teeth, your lips might seem to sink in, too. If you wait too long before getting dentures, your jawbone could shrink, changing how your face appears.
Dentures Procedure
Your dentist will assess your mouth and gums first to determine the best course of action. They may recommend extractions or advise waiting for a better assessment of your teeth’s health if necessary. They’ll also take measurements crucial for crafting custom dentures tailored to your smile.
Once your dentures are ready, the dentist will ensure they fit securely, comfortably, and are properly aligned. Before you leave, they’ll provide care instructions and advise on possible side effects as you adjust to wearing them.
After getting dentures, remember that adaptation takes time. Start by speaking slowly and practicing reading aloud to adjust to the feeling. With time, you’ll grow accustomed to them, no longer needing assistance with eating or speaking.
Types of Dentures
Choosing the right type of dentures depends on several factors, including whether you prefer removable or fixed options and require natural-looking dentures for front teeth.
Here are the different types of dentures:
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are removable and consist of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base. They may also feature metal clasps that secure the denture in place. These dentures are used when some natural teeth are remaining and support chewing. They’re designed to match the color of your existing teeth for a natural appearance.
Implant-Supported Dentures
These fixed dentures are anchored in place by dental implants to provide a stable and secure fit for enhanced comfort and functionality.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Also known as snap-on dentures, these dentures are removable and attach to one or two dental implants. They offer easy removal and cleaning while being more cost-effective compared to options requiring additional implants.
Full/Complete Dentures
Full dentures replace all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. They utilize dental adhesives to stay in place, improving your smile and restoring normal eating functions.
Upper and Lower Dentures
Upper and lower dentures are designed to replace all of the teeth on your upper and lower jaws. They feature an acrylic or plastic base that serves as the “gum” to support your new false teeth. Regardless of the type of denture you choose, you must ensure you maintain proper oral hygiene to keep the gums healthy and prevent potential infections or other complications.
How to take care of your dentures?
Here are some essential tips for taking care of your dentures to prevent discoloration or damage and ensure they last a long time:
- After eating, rinse your dentures to remove any leftover food particles.
- Soak them overnight to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
- Clean your mouth using a soft-bristled toothbrush after removing your dentures.
- Visit your dentist regularly for your dental check-ups and adjustments as necessary.
Follow these simple steps to enjoy the benefits of having dentures and confidently show off your beautiful smile!
After using Dentures
After using dentures, you’ll experience significant improvements in your oral health, speaking, eating, and overall smile appearance. Here are some benefits of using dentures:
- Enhanced ability to chew and speak effectively.
- Maintenance of healthy teeth and gums.
- A more youthful and appealing smile.
- Increased self-assurance and confidence.
- Improved digestion due to better chewing capabilities.
- Reduced risk of infection by preventing bacterial overgrowth.
Dentures are a great solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring confidence in your smile. With proper care, you can prolong the lifespan of your dentures and continue enjoying the benefits of having natural-looking teeth.
Are Dentures The Right Option For You?
So, getting dentures is a big step that can make a huge difference in your life. Understanding what happens before and after getting dentures is important for a smooth transition. With the right care and advice from your dentist, you can enjoy the benefits of having dentures and feel more confident in your smile.
Ready to discover what’s possible before and after dentures? Experience the transformation with City of Lights Dental in Aurora, IL. Book your appointment now! New patients dial (630) 283-7694, while current patients can call (630) 283-7087.
FAQs
It varies, but it usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months with several appointments.
They can be once you get used to them and your dentist makes any necessary adjustments.
Regular cleaning, soaking, and seeing your dentist for adjustments are key to keeping your dentures in good shape.
