Dentures

Dentures for the Elderly at Yudhisther's Dental Care

What are dentures?
Dentures are dental prostheses placed in the mouth when all or most teeth are missing. They are custom-made to fit in the mouth of the patient and are held in place with the help of suction and the mouth's muscles. They can be made of acrylic resin, porcelain, or both. A complete denture replaces all the teeth in the upper and lower jaw, whereas a partial denture caters to a few missing teeth. Partial dentures are placed using a clasp on the remaining teeth.

• Essential to have good oral hygiene to maintain remaining natural teeth and underlying gums. 
• Especially used for the elderly as their oral hygiene can be better maintained by dentures.
• It requires some time to get used to and for proper comfort.
   

What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures can be made of materials including:

• Acrylic Resin is strong and durable, so it is used in the base of the denture that sits on the gums and supports the artificial teeth.
• Porcelain is also used to make dentures, especially artificial teeth since it is malleable and mimics the color of the teeth.
• Metal is used for partial dentures, which are only needed for a few missing teeth. It provides support and stability.
   

Who needs dentures?
Dentures can be for a host of different oral health issues. It is commonly used after tooth loss due to decay, trauma, gum diseases, or other dental problems. Here are some of the reasons for dentures:

• Complete tooth loss in either the upper or lower jaw
• Partial tooth loss in either the upper or lower jaw
• Poorly fitting or damaged existing dentures
• Severe tooth decay or gum disease that cannot be treated with other dental procedures
• Trauma or injury that causes tooth loss
• Congenital defects or conditions that affect the development of teeth
   

Procedure For Getting Dentures
Getting dentures follows a typical procedure that can take many weeks, depending on the patient's dental requirements and the type of denture being used. Here are the general steps: 

Step 1: Firstly, a dentist or prosthodontist will examine the mouth and oral health of the patient. Then an X-ray will be taken to discuss the treatment plan and assess the role of dentures. Then the impression of the mouth will be taken to make a model of the teeth and gums.

Step 2: If needed, the patient's teeth will be extracted depending on the extent of the tooth loss. This may require a waiting period of weeks so that the gums can heal properly before the denture is set. 

Step 3: The denture will be custom-made in the dental lab using the most suitable material. Custom-made dentures will require several appointments to ensure a proper fit and comfort.

Step 4: Once the final dentures have been created, the patient will have a fitting appointment in which the dentist will adjust and fit the denture. Any adjustments that are needed will be made. 

Step 5: After some time, the patient will need to make a follow appointment with the dentist, who will ensure that the dentures are functioning properly and if more adjustment is needed.
 

How to Take Care of Dentures? 
Taking proper care of dentures for their longevity and function is imperative. They should be treated like real teeth and be cared for accordingly. Here are some tips: 

• Daily cleaning of dentures is crucial. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a special denture brush to clean them properly. Avoid using abrasive denture cleaner; even regular toothpaste can be abrasive. 
• After eating, remove your denture and rinse with water, so no food particles or debris are stuck. 
• It is also important to soak them in a denture-cleaning solution overnight to retain moisture and remain clean. 
• Since dentures are fragile, they should be handled with utmost care. When inserting or removing, do it over a soft surface; otherwise, they can break if dropped. 
• Brush your remaining teeth (if you have any) and gums to remove bacteria and stimulate blood flow. 
• Do not use hot water on the dentures, as it can disfigure or damage them. Also, if any chips or cracks appear, report them to the dentist. 
   

Benefits of Dentures
There are several benefits of dentures, including:

• Improved Appearance

Dentures help improve the appearance of your smile, which also helps support the facial muscles. This makes the overall facial structure uplifted and improved while preventing sagging. 

• Better ability to speak and eat

Missing teeth can hamper the ability to eat and speak clearly. With the help of dentures, you can speak clearly and eat all types of food properly. 

• Increased self-confidence

It can be noted that missing teeth can make you self-conscious and lower your self-esteem. Dentures can make you feel more confident and improve your facial appearance. 

• Better oral health

Dentures can help replace missing teeth, reducing the risk of gum diseases, tooth decay, and other dental issues. 

• Affordability 

With Yudhisther's Dental Care, getting dentures has become very affordable, and you can boost your smile with expert care.