The stigma that has been attached to wearing dentures over the years is gradually disappearing. As they become better manufactured and more lifelike, many denture wearers now go through life without anybody ever knowing they are wearing them.
There are several reasons why someone may have lost some or all of their teeth. It may be the result or periodontal disease or it could be due to a head trauma from a sporting injury. Either way it can be a very painful and embarrassing situation. Apart form being a source of embarrassment, missing teeth can also have a negative physiological impact. Because teeth act as rigid supports for facial muscles, if they are missing the muscles tend to sag which leaves the patient with a sunken looking appearance. This can have the effect of making the patient look much older than they are and is difficult to reverse once the muscle has been sagging for too long.
It is therefore very important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible, both for the self-confidence of the patient and for the maintenance of their profile. The most obvious artificial replacement is a denture or partial denture. Modern dentures are made form acrylic resins and appear far more realistic than the dentures of the past.
Dentures should be held in place by suction alone, but often if they do not fit correctly they can fall out. This means that many patients use dental adhesives to secure their dentures. This may make the feel more secure but they are also an unnecessary fuss and mess. More and more patients are opting for mini-implants to secure dentures. These are mini screws that are anchored to the jawbone. Dentures are then able to clip on and off to these screws providing a great deal of security for the patient, which can in turn increase the confidence of the patient in their dentures.
Modern dentures are fairly resistant to staining and wear. If they are properly looked after they can last for many years. This involves brushing them twice a day like natural teeth and removing them to soak at night. Patients who wear dentures are advised to make regular visits to the dentist. This is because dentures can cause painful erosion of the gums. This can also affect the way the dentures fit in the mouth. Regular dental check ups with a Central Leeds dentist can help dentures to feel more comfortable in the mouth.
A missing tooth that has been caused by decay or has been knocked out in an accident can not only be cause of embarrassment but can also cause further dental complications if not replaced. Existing teeth tend to lean into empty spaces in the toothline causing sagging of the facial tissue and complications that can alter bite and profile. A missing tooth can also allow bacteria to develop on food particles that become lodged in the recess. This develops into plaque, a filmy substance that covers teeth and causes tooth decay. It is therefore very important that missing teeth are replaced as soon as possible.
