The Easiest Ways to Care for Dentures
If you’re missing teeth, you might feel self-conscious when you smile, or even that few would understand what that’s like. If so, you may be in for a shock.
You’re actually far from alone, since adults ages 20-64 have an average of 25.5 of 28 teeth remaining — if you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed. Another shocker? Nearly a third of Americans who are 65-74 years of age have no natural teeth left.
Fortunately, Dr. Ali Saeghi and the Modern Age Dentistry team care about helping you find a solution so you can enthusiastically share a bright, complete smile with the world — and no gaps! Dr. Saeghi has expertise with fitting dentures, which are an ideal solution for adults who are missing multiple teeth. You may be surprised at how far denture treatment has come.
Your missing teeth are putting you in peril
Believe us when we say that missing teeth — whether lost through decay, trauma, or another reason — pose more than a cosmetic challenge. Sizeable gaps can:
- Cause problems with chewing and eating
- Negatively affect your speech
- Cause facial sagging
- Lead to bite problems
- Weakne the jaw structure
- Cause bone loss
- Raise your risk of future dental problems like decay and additional tooth loss
- Affect your self-confidence
Many people don’t consider these difficulties when they lose teeth — until they start experiencing them. That’s why it’s important to talk to your dentist about solutions.
Dentures offer many benefits if you want your smile back — and better oral health
Dr. Saeghi counsels many patients about the advantages that dentures offer. They’re great replacements for your real teeth. Dentures are strong, allow you to speak and chew as if you had your own teeth, and restore your beautiful smile. Getting denture treatment also eliminates your chances for some serious problems down the road, like bone loss and dental problems that are associated with gaps.
You’ll get a recommendation about what type of dentures to get after Dr. Saeghi evaluates you.
- Overdentures are a type of denture that can fit over what remains of any partial real teeth you have left. The remnants of your teeth may be filed down and used as a base on which Dr. Saeghi attaches your dentures.
If you have even parts of your natural teeth remaining, you may not experience the facial sagging that comes with teeth that are completely missing. Overdentures also ease challenges for the gums that are associated with chewing and biting.
- Partial dentures are removable, and replace just a series of teeth on your jawline, as opposed to all of them. They’re placed in a metal framework that connects to either your teeth or a restorative crown.
- Full dentures replace a complete jawline of missing teeth. Dr. Saeghi can help you decide which is better for you — conventional full dentures that you get after your gums have completely healed from your teeth being pulled (about 2-3 months), or immediate full dentures, which can be fitted the day you have your teeth removed.
Dr. Saeghi is always happy to answer your questions or concerns as you determine which type of dentures will work best for you, and explains how the procedure will go in detail, so you feel well-prepared.
One of the best features of dentures: They’re easy to care for
Our patients are often surprised and happy to learn that caring for your dentures is neither time-consuming nor complicated.
Some parts of your denture care are the same as caring for your natural teeth. Brushing them twice a day is a must, since dentures stain and accumulate plaque just like real teeth.. Remember to brush your tongue and gums daily as well.
You shouldn’t sleep with your dentures in your mouth, and anytime they’re out of your mouth, you should soak them in water or a dental cleanser so they stay moist. You don’t want to dry out your dentures, because then they turn brittle and are prone to warping or getting damaged more easily.
Special cleaning powders and adhesives that help keep your dentures in place are products you’ll now be using, but choose them carefully. Only purchase products that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Once you’ve got your routine down, caring for your dentures is a cinch and easy to fit into your daily routine.
Oh, and we said caring for your dentures was simple and one of their best features — but the most fabulous part about dentures is having your dazzling smile back and never having to feel embarrassed about your teeth (or lack of them) again!
Call our Ojai, West Hills, or Los Angeles, California, office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saeghi about dentures and get your questions answered. You may also book an appointment online.