Preparing for Life with Dentures

Tooth loss is a life-changing occurrence, especially when multiple of your teeth are missing. You have to make several adjustments in your lifestyle to manage life without your teeth. One of the biggest adjustments you have to make has to do with getting replacement teeth.

Since dentures are best known for replacing multiple missing teeth, you are most likely to get them after losing more than three of your teeth in a row. However, adjusting to life with dentures is not easy, which is why you need to be prepared before getting them.

What Are Dentures?

They are artificial teeth that replace missing teeth in the mouths of patients. Dentures feature artificial teeth made of porcelain and a gum-like plastic base. They can effectively replace missing teeth, regardless of the number. The only requirement is that you need to have lost more than three teeth in a row.

​Types of Dentures

There are two main types of dentures in dentistry:

1. Complete or full dentures – they are designed to replace all teeth in your mouth. Therefore, for you to have full dentures, you cannot have any natural teeth remaining. If so, you would need an extraction procedure before you receive complete dentures.
2. Partial dentures – they cover several of your missing teeth but allow you to retain the remaining natural teeth. They are a partial replacement for the teeth you have lost, without the need to compromise the health of your remaining natural teeth.

While those two are the main types of dentures, there are other categories that can be used to refer to differences in the kind of dentures you get. They are:

1. Immediate dentures – they are pre-made, which is why they are readily available for all patients. They are perfect for patients who do not want to spend a single day without teeth.
2. Custom-made dentures – they are tailored to your individual needs. A dentist will take impressions of your mouth to determine the creation of a perfectly fitting denture for you. You will have to wait a few weeks as your dentures are made before you get them.
3. Implant-supported dentures – they require the use of dental implants, which will act as the support system for the dentures. Ideally, dental implants are installed first, then later, dentures fiver the implants. Such can be termed permanent dentures as they are held in place by dentures, not just your jawbone.

​Can You Sleep with Dentures in Your Mouth?

If you have permanent dentures, you get to sleep with them like they are your natural teeth. However, typically, removable dentures are removed when sleeping. An exemption is usually made during the first few days after getting dentures. Your dentist will ask you to keep the dentures on all the time so your mouth can get used to them. After a while, however, you can feel free to remove the dentures when you go to bed.

​Can You Eat Normally with Dentures?

It may take some time before you can comfortably and normally eat with dentures. You will need some practice, especially with hard foods. Your gums will feel sore due to the pressure and force of the dentures when you chew. The feeling of bulkiness when you first get dentures may also make it hard for you to eat normally. However, with time, you will get a hang of it and be able to eat all you want normally. The same level of effort will be needed when adjusting to speaking properly. Your pronunciation with dentures will be different for certain words as you start your life after getting them. However, the more you practice, you will get better and fully accustomed to your new life with dentures.

​How Long Do Dentures Last?

The longevity of dentures differs from one patient to another. Typically, dentures last about 5 and 7 years. It depends on how well you care for them. Treat dentures the same way as your natural teeth. With age, even dentures stain and wear out. It is why you just keep up with proper oral hygiene and other healthy oral practices. Doing so can give you up to 10 years, or longer, of denture use.