Dentures: Components, Purpose & After-Care

Whether you’re thinking about getting dentures, currently have them, or know someone who does, there’s a good chance you’ll have some questions. Our dentists at West Olds Dental will help you learn more about dentures in this blog. The following sections will explain what dentures are, how to care for them, and how dentures can help you improve your oral health.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are prosthetic teeth and gums that are custom-made to fit your mouth and are used to replace missing or extracted natural teeth. Dentures can be complete or partial, which means they can replace all teeth on either the top or bottom gum line or only a few missing teeth. Whatever type of dentures you require, they will be custom-made to fit your mouth and be visually matched to your natural teeth.

What Are Dentures Made Out Of?

Denture teeth are made of more fragile materials than natural teeth, and they can readily break or crack if dropped or improperly neglected. Dentures used to be made of porcelain or plastic, but now they’re mainly composed of a durable resin. This material also degrades considerably faster than actual teeth, necessitating the replacement of dentures every five years or so.

The denture’s supporting framework, which holds the artificial teeth in place and resembles the natural gum line, is usually constructed of the same resin as the teeth or a more flexible polymer material that fits tightly on the natural gum line. Get your dentures from the best Street Olds dentist today!

Why Do You Need Dentures?

Dentures not only improve the appearance of a smile with several missing teeth, but they help support the structures around the cheeks and lips, keeping the mouth structure sound. Dentures also allow you to eat meals that require chewing, maintain your current diet, and ensure you are adequately nourished. Finally, dentures can be used to replace teeth that are causing significant pain and oral health problems, such as those with rotting roots or extensive damage. When you get dentures, you get rid of your bothersome teeth and replace them with a robust and attractive replacement.

How To Clean Your Dentures?

Regardless of the type of dentures you have, they must be cleaned daily, just like natural teeth. Even though dentures are made up of artificial teeth, bacteria, plaque, and tartar can still accumulate, causing damage to existing teeth and gums.

Remove your dentures from your mouth and rinse them with clean water to remove any food particles lodged between teeth, along the gum line, or underneath the structure. Then, using a denture brush or a very soft toothbrush, brush the dentures with a light soap or denture cleanser. Other cleaners, ordinary toothpaste, and electric toothbrushes are too abrasive and can harm and wear away the denture components, so avoid them after cleaning; please be sure to rinse them thoroughly.

If necessary, clean your gums and natural teeth with a soft, wet toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste while your dentures are out of your mouth. If your toothbrush is too abrasive, gently touch your gums with your finger wrapped in a wet, soft washcloth, carefully covering all surfaces. Consult your dentist in Street Olds for additional information on how to keep the dentures clean.

We hope this blog has helped you understand all you need to know about dentures. Please book an appointment with us at West Olds Dental for the best dentures in Street Olds, AB.