Dentures replace missing teeth and restore smiles. While they are an excellent option for effectively treating tooth loss, they also have a reputation for moving around, falling out, and causing frustration for their wearers. Dentists have worked hard over the past few decades to improve the look and feel of artificial teeth, but they still occasionally generate issues. Below are a few things that you can do to help keep your appliance in place.
You will be more content if your dentures feel more comfortable and natural in your mouth. Apply these four steps to promote a more pleasant denture experience.
One way to ensure your artificial teeth fit better is to get dental implants. Dentists can place two or more implants in your jaw bone and use them to anchor the denture pieces in place. Dentists often refer to these as implant-supported dentures. Colloquially you may hear them called snap-ons because they sometimes audibly lock into place. Implant-supported types usually do not slide around as much and very rarely fall out.
It is important to note that you must have enough healthy bone tissue to support implants. In some cases, dentists can perform a bone graft first to give the implants a more stable foundation. The entire process may require multiple surgeries and a few months of recovery. Even so, the results can be very worthwhile, leading to a more secure fit and improved bone loss prevention. Dental implants are not right for everyone, though, so speak with your dentist beforehand to learn whether this would be a good option for you.
Speak with your dentist right away if you notice any change in the feel or look of your artificial teeth. There might be damage to your teeth, jaw, or denture plate that is causing them to become loose or uncomfortable. Your dentist can inspect them both in and out of your mouth to better determine what might be happening. Sometimes dentures may need to be rebased, relined, or reconstructed because of normal wear and tear from daily use. In other situations, some minor adjustments are all that is needed to improve the comfort and security of the fit.
As with any oral components, both artificial and natural, denture teeth need careful cleaning and correct care. Follow any advice from your dentist about when and if to remove your dentures as well as how to accurately cleanse them. Some people find that soaking them in specially made effervescent dental solutions is a great way to help adequately care for them. Generally, you should brush, floss, and rinse your denture teeth just as you would your natural teeth. You should also regularly visit your dentist to have them professionally inspected and cleaned.
It is important to note that some dentures must be stored in a solution when they are not being worn, not just for cleaning purposes but for improved longevity as well. Otherwise, the materials can become dry and brittle, changing the shape and fit of the appliances. This can also lead to unnecessary damage.
One additional way to help secure your artificial teeth is by applying specially made denture adhesives. These substances can usually be purchased from your local store and come in the form of sticky pads, liquids, powders, or pastes. Dental adhesives are for temporary relief and use only. Do not treat them as a permanent solution because many contain zinc, which can cause some health issues with prolonged use. If you notice that you need to regularly administer dental adhesives to keep your teeth in place, make an appointment with your dentist to figure out another solution.
If you have traditional dentures, there are certain foods you should avoid to prevent damage and to keep them from coming loose while you are eating. Hard, tough, or crunchy foods, especially those you have to bite directly into, can be problematic. These can include:
Choose softer options and cut your food into bite-sized pieces instead.
Dentures can be a good option for replacing all or some of your lost teeth, but only if they look and feel fixed and comfortable. Think about and follow the advice above to help keep your dental appliance firmly where it belongs.
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