Everything You Need to Know About Dentures and Their Benefits

Everything You Need to Know About Dentures and Their Benefits

Have you been considering whether Dentures are the right choice for you? Here in this article, we will go through the ins and outs of Dentures so that you know exactly what you are getting into. Then you can make an appointment at a Surbiton dentist to get a bespoke treatment plan!
Since you are here reading this article, you are looking for reassurance that dentures are an excellent choice. Dentures are one of many dental solutions that solve the issue of missing teeth. They are also one of the oldest forms of dentistry with many countries and cultures having their own methods and approaches. In the past people have used everything from actual human teeth, animal teeth, shells, ivory, wood and more to construct wearable tooth replacement devices (dentures). With an increase in sugar consumption and tooth decay, the need for modern dentistry has led to great breakthroughs.

Who Needs Dentures

Many people assume that dentures are for the elderly who have a large number of missing teeth due to ageing. The association between dentures and the elderly is emphasised in mainstream entertainment, but it is far from the facts. Dentures can help anyone and everyone who suffers from tooth loss. Accidents and illness as well as poor diet and oral hygiene, can all contribute to tooth loss, and these can affect any number of people of varying ages. Whatever the reason for your tooth loss, us dentists are not here to judge, we are here to help and provide the right treatment so that you can turn your life around!

The Impact of Missing Teeth

Losing teeth is not something anyone looks forward to. Whether the loss is with age, accident or disease, the aftereffects are brutal for all. A full and healthy smile brings with it confidence and high self-esteem; when we lose these, chunks of our personalities are chipped away, much like missing teeth. We understand the importance of feeling comfortable in your own body and in control of your life. The message we want you to receive here is how dentures can help you. Individuals are affected by tooth loss in a number of different ways, and your treatment plan must address your concerns.
The overwhelming issue of tooth loss for some will be the physical challenges it imposes.

  • Depending on the severity, tooth loss can cause issues with chewing and digestion. Because of absent teeth, chewing can be impaired causing pain as well as resulting in larger chunks being swallowed, which in turn can strain the digestive system and cause many nutrients to pass unabsorbed.
  • Missing one or more teeth can cause problems with speech. It may result in a lisp and an inability to sound out certain sounds and words, making day to day communication difficult.
  • Having teeth missing can put people more at risk of gum disease and tooth decay as the empty areas will be prone to trapping food, making it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene, which in turn will lead to decay and disease.
  • It can also cause bone loss in the jaw. If tooth loss remains untreated, it can cause a condition called Alveolar Resorption. When an area remains unstimulated, it begins to shrink. The absence of a tooth or teeth will mean reduced chewing, which can lead to eventual bone loss which can lead to a change in facial structure that can cause you to appear sunken and aged, the bone loss can also mean increased difficulty in restoring said teeth in the future.
  • Missing teeth can cause problems with your bite which can progress to jaw pain and headaches.
  • A person can become quite restricted in what they eat if they have a tooth missing. The more teeth that you are missing the more restrictions you may face. People end up avoiding hard foods or tough chewy foods which can limit their nutritional intake.

Aside from physiological problems the impact of missing teeth can have disastrous impact on a person psychologically and socially.

  • As dentists, we have witnessed first hand the reduced confidence in people who suffer from tooth loss. Especially when the teeth are missing from immediately visible areas, a person’s self-esteem takes a huge hit, causing them to shy away from smiling and keeping distance from others and becoming embarrassed.
  • A person’s smile is usually one of the first things you notice about them, when there is an obvious absence of tooth or teeth, how others perceive you can change. In social or professional settings this may lead to stigma and bias

How Dentures Work to Help You



Restored Functionality

Dentures provide the perfect solution for missing teeth by replacing them with artificial ones. They can restore your ability to chew and speak properly. With dentures, you will be able to go back to your normal life and do the things you love with ease. You will no longer need to restrict your diet or worry about impending deterioration.

Improved Appearance

Dentures are unique to the person they are designed for. They are specifically created to look like your natural teeth, matching them in colour, size, and positioning. This will, provide a complete and aesthetically pleasing smile. Dentures provide the support that was lost ensuring structural integrity and preventing bone loss in the jaw and shifting of other teeth (in the case of partial dentures). Which means you will retain a youthful look and no longer need to stress about your jawbone or sunken cheeks.

Enhanced Oral Health

Your oral health impacts more than just your mouth. Our bodies are a fully connected organism where each part is linked to another, which means problems in one area can cause issue with the whole. By replacing your missing teeth, dentures will help maintain the alignment of your remaining natural teeth. Partial dentures, in particular, prevent other teeth from shifting, reducing the risk of further dental issues. The covering up of gaps also ensures there are fewer areas where food can get stuck allowing for better cleaning and hygiene which in turn reduces the risk of decay and gum disease and at a stretch can prevent potential heart disease.

Considering Dentures in Surbiton

If you’re contemplating dentures, it’s essential to consult with a dentist who can guide you through the process and tailor a solution to your needs.

Consultation

Once you have booked your appointment for your initial consultation, your Surbiton dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your needs, and recommend the best type of denture for you. At this appointment they will also address any concerns you may have, such as dental anxiety, potential treatment plans and costs and pretty much anything else that is worrying you.


Next Steps

Once your personal plan is in place your dentist will provide you with dates for your appointments. Dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly. Impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth will be taken to create that perfectly comfortable fit. This will also ensure the denture’s functionality.
Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to adjust your dentures as needed. It’s common to require adjustments initially to find the best fit and comfort. Which can change in the initial weeks as your mouth and jaw become accustomed to the dentures. Regular check-ups are also recommended to maintain oral health.
Dentures will initially take some getting used to. You may need to practice speaking and eating and may need further adjustments to get you completely comfortable. Your life will take on a whole new meaning once you have adjusted to your dentures. They will help you live a more vibrant and adventurous life full of confidence.
With the professional help of your Surbiton dentist, you are sure to find the perfect dentures for you. For more information on the procedure visit our dentures page or book an appointment now.

FAQs


Will Dentures feel like normal teeth?

Initially dentures will take a little getting used to and may feel odd, however, every set is custom made for the individual and so yours will be designed to fit you specifically, so in time your mouth will adjust and become accustomed to the point where they will feel natural.


Can others tell if I have dentures?

Dentures are created to resemble natural teeth. Others will usually only know if you tell them.

Are dentures expensive?

The cost of dentures varies as each person has different requirements. Depending on the type of dentures required and your treatment plan and time prices can fluctuate. Your Surbiton dentist will be happy to discuss costs at your consultation.

What kind of dentures will I need?

Once you book your appointment with a Surbiton Dentist, they will be able to examine and asses you and discuss your needs and desires and give you the best advice as to which dentures will be a good fit for you.

Call 020 8786 6800 today to book your appointment.