Replacing missing teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health. The two major options you have on this matter are dentures and implants. While the prior are affordable, they are temporary, whereas the latter can be expensive but permanent. There are many differences between dentures and implants, but the bottom line is that the latter are more like natural teeth.
Dentures will help with the immediate need of replacing a lost tooth or several, but frequent use can cause issues. Whether you are using one denture, a whole set, or anything in between, there are some issues you may experience.
Soreness
This is common when one wears dentures for the first time. Dentures rub against the gums, causing irritation and soreness. It will take some time to get used to the new ‘teeth’.
This discomfort only lasts for a few days, but for some people, it lasts longer and the friction between the dentures and gums can cause ulcers to develop. A dentist’s advice should be sought if soreness or pain is experienced even after wearing the dentures for a few days.
Loose Fit
Your measurements will be taken before making the dentures for you. However, it is not unlikely for the actual fit to be a bit off. You may end up with ill-fitting dentures. They may get in shape after a few days or require replacement. Talk to your dentist about any alignment issues you may face. Using adhesive may be helpful for dentures that keep slipping out of place.
Over time, your jaw changes and the fit of your dentures changes as well. Dentures that fit you perfectly a few months ago may become too small or too big later. This is the time when dentures need to be replaced. The need to replace dentures often makes them expensive.
It is better to opt for Dental Implants that provide a permanent solution. These implants are implanted into the jaw and they will stay there forever. Unlike dentures which only have the crown, implants also have platinum screws that act as a tooth’s root holding it into place forever.
Difficulties In Chewing And Talking
Dentures are foreign items in your teeth and getting used to them will take some time. Talking with dentures is not easy at first. Saying words the way you used to say them before getting dentures may give a weird sound. It is good to practice your speech as soon as you get your dentures fitted.
You may need to change how you pronounce some words. If dentures shift while talking, return them into place by biting the teeth together and then swallowing. Eating with dentures is not easy, especially during the first days. It may be painful to chew hard foods.
To avoid the pain and eat comfortably, start with soft food that is chopped into small pieces immediately after being fitted with dentures. You can progress slowly, only eating what is comfortable. With enough practice, you will be able to eat like people with natural teeth do.
Cleaning Issues
Dentures need to be cleaned often so as to have good oral hygiene. Lack of proper denture care can cause you to have bad breath, gum disease and other oral illnesses. Dentures need to be cleaned with special denture cleaners. You may not use normal toothpaste as this may harm the sensitive dentures.
Dentures need to be cleaned thoroughly every day. Scrub them well so as to remove any food particles that may be stuck between the teeth. Dentures must be removed from the mouth for them to be cleaned. You need to handle them carefully so as to avoid slips that can lead to cracks and other issues.
Excessive Saliva Production
The mouth automatically increases saliva output when something strange is placed in it. The body views dentures as strange items. This puts salivary glands in a hyperactive mode hence producing excess saliva. This will go on for several days until the body is used to the new addition.
There is nothing one can do to handle this issue. You just need to be prepared to swallow saliva more often for the first few days after denture treatment. You may experience lots of issues with dentures when you first have them on. While some issues will usually resolve after a few days, others remain for a long time.
The biggest disadvantage of dentures is that they have a shelf life. They need to be replaced often and this can be a costly affair. This is one of the top reasons why dentists recommend implants instead of dentures.
Author Bio: Mary Kate is an SEO Marketer. She is an experienced independent content writer. And she loves cooking new things.
