If you are exploring ways to restore your bite and smile, your dentist has probably brought up dentures as an option. If you are worried about getting dentures, it is important to express your feelings to your dentist. While it is perfectly fine to go with another treatment option, you should make a thought-out decision after learning as much as you can about each of your options, including dentures.
Let’s take a look at what dentures are and how you can overcome your fear and reservations about them.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable artificial teeth, custom-made to replace several or all of a person’s missing teeth. Crafted from high-tech plastics and metals, dentures restore personal appearance, oral function, and self-confidence, too. While you’ve probably seen comical scenes of dentures falling out of people’s mouths on TV, this is not the case with state-of-the-art dentures available on the market now. Today’s dentures are crafted with patient comfort, durability, and ease of use in mind.
There are four kinds of dentures:
- Conventional full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth on the top and bottom (held in by the mouth’s natural suction).
- Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth (secured to adjacent natural teeth by precision attachments or metal clasps).
- Implant-supported dentures replace some or all-natural teeth (anchored by titanium screws inserted into the jaw bone below the gum line).
- Immediate dentures are placed directly after extractions to complete a smile quickly (typically these are relined or replaced as oral tissues heal).
What Are Some Misconceptions About Dentures?
To eliminate any qualms or nervousness you have about getting dentures, let’s dispel inaccurate information you may have heard about these tried and true teeth replacements.
#1 Dentures look fake.
Dentures have been around for centuries, and while past ones have had an unnatural picket-fence appearance, today’s dentures are very natural-looking. Each denture patient at Hagerman Dental Care undergoes an individualized evaluation process to ensure a precise fit and pleasing appearance. Also, modern materials are durable and lifelike in color, sheen, and shape. In short, your dentures will look just like real, healthy teeth.
#2 Dentures fall out.
Because we take the time to create and fit your dentures accurately, you’ll experience outstanding function and comfort. Plus, as you adjust to your new smile, we’ll adjust your dentures and show you ways to care for them, your soft oral tissues, and any remaining natural teeth you may have. Incidents of denture slippage or loss are few and far between in the modern era of dentistry.
#3 Dentures will ruin my ability to eat my favorite foods.
Your dentures will restore your ability to enjoying a full range of foods. When you receive your new dentures, you will adapt to how they feel, bite, and chew, and after a few weeks, you’ll be able to eat confidently and efficiently.
#4 Dentures will slur my speech.
Yes, dentures do feel different than natural teeth. However, after your initial period of adjustment, you will speak very clearly. Also, because we strive for excellent fit and bite, you should experience no denture clicking, cheek biting, or other issues.
#5 My mouth will hurt.
If you have dental extractions, you will experience some discomfort as your gums heal. You may use ice packs to limit swelling, eat soft foods, and use over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain. When you receive your dentures, you may have a few sore spots which will resolve with time and adjustments in bite and fit. After the adjustment period, you will not feel any pain from dentures.
Where Can I Get The Best Dentures Near Me?
In the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, area, please visit Dr. Steven R. Hagerman and his friendly staff at Hagerman Dental Care. Dentures are just one of our many restorative dental services. We offer the best in preventive and cosmetic dentistry for patients of all ages.
Contact our office for a helpful consultation on dentures options. Call (651) 646-2392, or request an appointment online. We know you’ll enjoy your new smile!