Dentures are removable oral appliances designed to replace missing teeth, either in the upper or lower jaw, or both. They consist of artificial teeth set into a gum-colored base, often crafted from acrylic or resin. This article explores the long-term effects, challenges, and benefits of wearing dentures.
Initial Adjustments and Daily Living Concerns
New denture wearers experience an adjustment period, lasting from days to weeks. This phase often involves discomfort, soreness, or gum irritation. Pressure from dentures can create sore spots, which typically improve with professional adjustments.
Difficulties with eating are also common, as the mouth learns to chew with the new prosthetic. It is often recommended to start with soft foods and gradually introduce harder items, cutting food into smaller pieces. Speech clarity can also be affected initially, with some sounds being challenging to pronounce. Practicing speaking slowly and reading aloud can help the tongue and facial muscles adapt. The feeling of bulkiness or looseness can lead to self-consciousness, but this often diminishes as the wearer becomes accustomed to the dentures.
Long-Term Oral Health Impacts
A long-term impact of dentures is alveolar bone resorption. This is the gradual loss of jawbone density and height that occurs when natural tooth roots are no longer present to stimulate the bone. Over time, this bone loss can alter facial structure, leading to a sunken appearance and affecting denture fit. Studies indicate that jawbone can resorb significantly in the first few months after tooth loss, and continues at an approximate rate of 0.2mm per year.
Ill-fitting dentures can cause gum irritation, inflammation, and sores from constant rubbing and uneven pressure. This friction can increase the risk of oral infections. A common infection is denture stomatitis, a type of oral thrush caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus. This fungus thrives in the warm, moist environment under dentures, especially with poor hygiene or continuous wear. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discomfort in the tissues beneath the denture, though it is often painless.
The Role of Proper Care and Professional Oversight
Diligent care and regular dental visits are important for managing the potential downsides of dentures. Daily cleaning routines are necessary to prevent the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and fungi, which helps reduce the risk of infections like denture stomatitis and bad breath. Dentures should be brushed daily with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser, not regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive.
Removing dentures overnight is also recommended to allow oral tissues to rest and recover, promoting gum health and circulation. Soaking dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight keeps them moist, prevents warping, and aids in disinfection. Regular check-ups with a dentist are also important to monitor oral health, assess denture fit, and address any issues. Professional relining or adjustments may be needed periodically due to changes in bone structure, ensuring dentures maintain a proper and comfortable fit.
When Dentures Are Still a Viable Solution
Despite the potential challenges, dentures remain a practical and accessible solution for many individuals experiencing tooth loss. They can significantly improve chewing function, enhance appearance, and aid in speech clarity. Dentures are often a suitable choice when there is extensive tooth loss, or when other treatment options like dental implants are not feasible due to budget constraints or medical conditions.
Modern dentures are designed to be more comfortable and natural-looking than older versions. With consistent proper care and regular professional guidance, many of the potential long-term issues can be managed or minimized. This allows individuals to maintain a good quality of life, restoring confidence in their smile and ability to eat and speak.