People with tooth problems are often in denial about them, especially when it comes to considering having false teeth fitted. Why? Two reasons. Age and money. The stigma attached to dentures and other types of teeth replacements is that only seniors have them. Secondly, these procedures are costly. Both are untrue. Our bad diets, over-consumption of sugar, as well as years of smoking and drinking have led to the premature decay of our teeth. At the same time, visiting the dentist is not a luxury only the rich can afford, but a necessity for everyone concerned about their appearance, oral health, and hygiene.
Prevention is the best cure
Having dentures to fill in the gaps of missing teeth, although a viable way of reclaiming your smile and improving your oral health, should be a last resort.
By visiting your local dental practice every six months (bi-annually), small problems with your teeth are detected early. Visiting the dentist so often is daunting, but down the line, it is the most cost-effective way to preserve your teeth.
Signs you might need false teeth
Tender and bleeding gums might be early symptoms of the gum disease Gingivitis, which is easily treatable with deep cleaning but could also be the onslaught of a severe periodontal disease that is irreversible. If left untreated for a long, you could potentially experience bone loss, which in turn, leads to teeth loss. Facts do not lie, and there is an obvious connection between tooth loss and gum disease: affecting three out of every four people.
Loose, shifting, or the gap between adjacent teeth is widening. These can also be signs that you are suffering from advanced gum disease. While showing no obvious symptoms, gum disease is often referred to as a ‘silent killer, in that you do not know about it until it is too late.
Toothache is a sign of tooth decay. If seen to be a dentist early enough, the tooth can be salvaged by having the cavity filled.
Different types
Partial dentures are commonly used when you have one or two teeth missing, and you want to have them replaced, or when your remaining teeth are not strong enough to support false teeth alternatives like dentures.
Full dentures sit either on the top or bottom gum line and are held in place by suction as you eat, socialise, and perform your daily tasks.
There are temporary ones, used before a decaying tooth is extracted and after as you heal, usually for six months. You will need to replace them with permanent dentures once that time lapses.
Some consider implant support as the most secure type. Implants comprise crowns and a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw at the root.
Disadvantages
They are not durable, chip easily, and need replacing approximately every five years. In short, cleaning and maintaining them is challenging with some preferring the convenience of dental implants. You are also advised to take your teeth out as you sleep, and the consequences of forgetting might leave you with a sore jaw.
Their removable nature might work for some, and while dentures tend to stay in place, for the most part, you are at risk of your dentures slipping out of place at inopportune moments.
The invention of replacement teeth has brought back smiles on people’s faces and confidence in their hearts. They are life-changing to the wearer, easy to use, and custom designed to fit your mouth.
