Understanding Dentures

A variety of dental and health problems can result from tooth loss, which can be addressed by Denver dentists. Without properly aligned teeth an individual might not be able to chew correctly and this may affect their diet. Improper or incomplete chewing habits can lead to indigestion and even more serious conditions like malnutrition. Losing even one tooth may cause the remaining teeth to shift their position, altering an individual’s bite pattern and leading to pain in the head, neck and jaw.

There are two denture options for the patient who is missing teeth: a partial denture or overdenture to replace a couple of teeth, or a full denture which can replace all the teeth in either jaw. Partial dentures clip onto a clasp attached to two abutting teeth (one on either side) and, so are removable, and are most appropriate for people have a few lost teeth.

Dentures are molded specifically to fit each individual patient. This process requires a comprehensive assessment of the gum line and facial bones of the patient to guarantee that the denture will fit. A few patients may need to have the remaining natural teeth extracted or parts of the jaw reshaped to ensure a perfect fit.

Denver dentist offer patients many material options to choose from, and the choice can significantly affect the overall result and the expenditure involved. A polymer denture looks far more natural and is substantially stronger than one made from plastic. Most people do not mind paying the extra cost to get the advantages of polymer dentures.

Hygienic maintenance of your denture is not difficult and can easily be integrated into your regular dental care regimen. Most patients brush their remaining teeth, palate and gums several times a day, and add their dentures to this process, as well. Most Denver dentists recommend removing dentures at night because it allows saliva to reach the gums and perform its natural functions of maintaining a healthy environment, and for the dentures to be soaked in a cleansing solution that will destroy bacteria and irritants. Because dentures may occasionally irritate the gums and lining of the mouth, it is important to keep them, and the mouth, as clean and healthy as possible. There have been cases where gum disease and other more serious medical conditions have occurred due to a lack of hygienic maintenance of mouth and dentures.

Denver dentists will recommend that denture patients return periodically for evaluation of their denture and the affected area of the mouth.