Are False Teeth as Bad as People Think?

It is very often said that false teeth are no good; they look bad, are loose and are for the ‘very old’. Is this really the case?

The answer is a big NO. It all depends on the dentist, the technician and the patient. High quality natural looking dentures can be made comfortable for you and indeed are very often a treatment of choice at Perfect Smile Spa. 

Tooth loss can occur for many reasons (periodontal disease, decay or trauma). Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for many years now. Alternative methods used to replace missing teeth include dental implants and a fixed dental bridge.

The loss of your teeth can have negative effects on your self-confidence, your ability to chew food and your bite. Since your teeth provide structure and support to your cheeks, tooth loss can result in the sagging of your cheeks and make you appear older than you are. It is essential that your missing teeth are replaced as soon as possible.

Dentures are removable replacements for your teeth, designed to look and function like your own natural teeth and surrounding gum tissues. Modern-day dentures can look very realistic and natural and feel comfortable. This makes them one of the best false teeth options available today.

What types of dentures are there?

There are different types of dentures –

Partial dentures which replace one of more teeth
Full dentures which replace all teeth
Implant retained dentures
Cosmetic dentures
Immediate dentures

When all your teeth are missing, a complete denture is used to replace them, whereas if only a few teeth need replacing, a partial denture or overdenture is used. Partial dentures can prevent your existing healthy teeth from shifting following tooth loss.

Dentures are generally fabricated from acrylic resins. Partial dentures can also be made
from cobalt chrome and acrylic; these tend to be less obtrusive in the mouth and can be more stable. With advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, there are a wide variety of materials available for dentures, and your dentist may give you some options, including the latest flexible Valplast cosmetic dentures.

Implant retained dentures

For a cost-effective way of replacing many missing teeth, dentures can be held very securely in place with implants, providing a great improvement from traditional removable dentures.

No need for denture adhesives, pastes, sticky gum or powders.

Implants help to maintain your facial structures by preserving the remaining bone in your jaws. They can also help to:

• Minimise wrinkles around the mouth by restoring lost lip-support 
• Markedly improve your ability to chew – you can eat whatever you want and enjoy your food again 
• Secure and comfortable – no more embarrassing moments caused by loose dentures

Holding dentures in place

Dentures should be held in place by their natural suction to your gums; sometimes a fixative may also be used. However, they tend to come loose and this can cause difficulties when trying to eat certain foods. Dentures can be fixed securely in place by dental implants or mini implants, which can give you the confidence to eat whatever you want without having to worry about your dentures coming loose or falling out. More patients seem to be opting for treatment with implants now. Despite their higher cost, they have a dramatic effect on improving the quality of life.

How should I look after my dentures?

It is important to keep your dentures clean at all times. You should remove your dentures at night to give your gums “a rest” and the chance to be exposed to your natural saliva, which will keep them healthy. It is highly recommended that you brush your dentures and soak them in a glass of cold water whilst you aren’t wearing them. You can add special cleaning tablets to the water when you soak your dentures. Always brush your dentures before putting them back into your mouth. If your dentures begin to collect debris or stains that you cannot remove by normal brushing, your dentist or hygienist will be able to professionally clean your full dentures or partial dentures for you.

Loose fitting dentures

It is important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your dentures are in good condition and continue to fit your gums, as the shape of your gums and underlying bone can change with time. Loose fitting dentures can cause irritation and inflammation of your gums and problems with eating and speech.  

If you’re wondering “can dentures be fitted to receding gums?” the answer is yes! However, it is essential that any existing gum problems are treated before dentures or any false teeth options are fitted.  

How long do dentures last?

This depends on many factors, including how you take care of them and also how much you use them in terms of general wear and tear. Over time, dentures can become loose as your gums shrink and your bite changes. When this happens, you may need a new set of dentures, or in some cases, a simple modification of your existing dentures may solve the problem.

The procedure

On your first appointment, your dentist will assess your needs and thoroughly examine your mouth for suitability for dentures. Some of your existing teeth may need to be extracted first or you may need treatment to get your gums into good health before commencing any treatment. An impression (mould) of your gums will be taken and used as a model to fabricate your dentures to fit the contours of your mouth exactly. A dental technician will make your dentures to your dentist’s exact specifications.

Immediate dentures

In cases where teeth need to be extracted, the structure of your gums and surrounding tissues needs to heal before your final dentures are made. In such cases, an immediate denture will be placed to enable the gums and surrounding tissue to heal properly. Immediate dentures can be easily modified during the healing process, which could take several months.

What are the benefits of dentures?

• Replace missing teeth for a better appearance
• Removable and easy to clean
• Reduce wrinkles fill lips and skin out around month area
• Help with eating and chewing

What are the disadvantages of dentures?

• They can cause slight discomfort if rub against the gums
• As your gum and bone shape changes the dentures eventually become ill fitting
• Multiple appointments while denture is being custom made to fit your mouth
• Not permanently fixed
• Can alter speech if ill fitting

Costs of dentures

Costs vary depending on where and who makes your dentures. Temporary immediate dentures are the cheapest and implant dentures the dearest. Costs for all treatments can be spread out monthly to help affordability.

Perfect Smile Spa based in Hornchurch Essex is a Leading cosmetic dental practice and believes in PAINLESS dentistry. Many thousand denture treatments have been carried successfully.

Call us for a free consultation on 01708 398 775 or email to care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk 

Are False Teeth as Bad as People Think? was last modified: July 2nd, 2018 by Dr Jas Sagoo