Why Would I Need Dentures?

Tooth decay, gum disease, an accident or old age can all result in tooth loss. A few missing teeth are often better handled with implants, but when all or most of your teeth must be replaced, dentures may be a better option. If multiple teeth are badly rotted or decaying and must be extracted, dentures are often a better choice than implants.

Will Dentures Improve My Appearance?

Aside from the obvious change of replacing badly broken or decayed teeth, dentures can provide other cosmetic effects. When you lose all your teeth, the muscles in your face begin to sag. Although a certain amount of sagging is natural as people age, after tooth loss it can become much more pronounced, making you look much older. Dentures can fill out your face and make it look more natural. Dentures can also be constructed to solve problems like crooked teeth, or have the same effect as tooth whitening.

Are There Different Kinds of Dentures?

Dentists use three kinds of dentures: conventional, immediate and overdentures. Conventional dentures are full removable dentures. These are not made and placed in your mouth until several months after your teeth have been extracted and the surgical site is fully healed. Immediate dentures are inserted on the same day as your surgery. Although you don't need to be without teeth while you heal, immediate dentures may need to be modified or remade at a late date. If some of your teeth can be saved, an overdenture -- which fits over a small number of remaining teeth -- may be an option.

How Do I Care for Dentures?

Oral hygiene is still important when you have dentures. Plaque can develop on your gums, so you should brush the gums, tongue and roof of your mouth every morning before you put your dentures in. You should also brush your dentures to ensure you remove any loose food or debris. When you take your dentures out, place them in a water-filled container with a secure lid so they won't warp. Dentures can break, so handle them gently and don't drop them.