A denture is a removable prosthetic device designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue, restoring both function and appearance. The decision to get dentures is significant, requiring a balance of personal health needs, lifestyle adjustments, and financial investment. Understanding all available options and the long-term realities of wearing a removable appliance is the first step in making an informed choice.
Exploring Non-Denture Replacement Options
Before committing to a removable denture, consider more permanent solutions, such as dental implants and fixed bridges. Dental implants involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to replace the tooth root. This helps prevent jawbone loss (resorption) that naturally occurs when a tooth root is absent, supporting long-term facial structure and oral health. The implant post serves as a stable anchor for a crown, bridge, or specialized denture.
A fixed bridge offers a non-removable alternative that spans the gap created by missing teeth. This restoration relies on adjacent teeth, which are reshaped and covered with crowns to serve as supports. While bridges are faster and less expensive than implants, they do not stimulate the jawbone and do not prevent underlying bone deterioration. The reliance on neighboring teeth means healthy tooth structure must be permanently altered, a drawback compared to the standalone nature of an implant.
Understanding the Different Types of Dentures
The term “dentures” encompasses several distinct categories based on the level of tooth loss and preparation timeline.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are used when all teeth in a single arch are missing. They are typically fabricated after the gum tissues have fully healed following extractions, a period that can take several months. The conventional denture is then fitted directly onto the gums.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace one or a few missing teeth while preserving the remaining natural teeth. They attach to existing teeth using clasps or precision attachments to fill gaps and prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are a temporary option created in advance and inserted immediately after tooth removal, allowing the patient to avoid a period without teeth. Because the mouth changes shape as it heals, immediate dentures require frequent adjustments or replacement with a conventional denture within a year.
Overdentures
Overdentures are a more stable option, secured by remaining tooth roots or, more commonly, by a small number of dental implants. These implant-supported, or “snap-on,” dentures offer improved stability and function compared to traditional removable dentures. Creating any custom denture involves a series of appointments for assessment, impressions, bite measurements, and trial fittings using wax models before the final appliance is fabricated.
Practicalities of Daily Life with Dentures
Adjusting to the daily reality of wearing dentures involves several lifestyle changes, particularly concerning eating and speaking.
Eating
New wearers should begin by consuming soft foods cut into small pieces, chewing slowly and using both sides of the mouth to evenly distribute pressure on the appliance. Sticky, hard, or overly chewy foods, such as nuts or steak, are often avoided because they can dislodge the denture or cause damage.
Speaking
Speaking may feel awkward initially, as the appliance can affect how the tongue and lips form sounds, sometimes resulting in a slight lisp or clicking noises. Reading aloud and practicing pronunciation of difficult words helps the muscles adapt. Denture adhesives can enhance stability and reduce movement, improving confidence in speaking and efficiency in chewing.
Cleaning and Care
Proper cleaning is a daily requirement for maintaining oral health and the longevity of the appliance. Dentures must be removed and brushed daily with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleanser to remove plaque and food debris. Soaking the dentures overnight in water or a dentist-recommended cleaning solution is necessary to keep the material moist and prevent warping. It is also important to clean the gums, tongue, and palate with a soft brush before reinserting the appliance.
Long-Term Maintenance and Financial Considerations
Choosing dentures involves acknowledging long-term maintenance and financial commitments beyond the initial cost. Traditional dentures accelerate jawbone resorption because they rest directly on the gums and do not provide the necessary stimulation to the underlying bone. This gradual bone loss causes the fit of the denture to loosen over time, necessitating periodic adjustments.
A denture’s typical lifespan is approximately five to ten years, though this can vary based on material quality and care. The appliance must be periodically relined or rebased to compensate for changes in the jaw structure caused by bone loss. Relining involves adding material to the fitting surface of the denture, while rebasing replaces the entire acrylic base.
The overall cost structure includes the initial expense, which is the most affordable option compared to bridges and implants, but also the cumulative cost of replacements and maintenance. Regular check-ups are necessary to assess the fit and condition of the denture, ensuring it remains comfortable and functional. While the upfront expense is lower, the long-term need for maintenance and eventual replacement should be factored into the total investment.