Removable dentures – temporary solution to the dental problem
The expression “putting teeth on the shelf” has not only a figurative meaning, however, also a direct one when it comes to removable dentures. When a person loses their teeth, they have no choice, however, to wear dentures, otherwise, how can they chew their food and communicate?
New-generation dentures are better in quality and aesthetics than their outdated predecessors, however, they still create difficulties for patients that not always can be overcome by everyone. We will tell you why a removable, artificial jaw is nothing more than a temporary solution to the problem of partially or completely missing teeth.
The unavoidable consequences of removable dentures
Removable dentures are prosthetic constructions that replace one, more, or all teeth at once. For this reason, they can be full dentures or partial dentures. As for the material used to fabricate the denture base, it can be made of silicone, nylon, or acrylic. The fixation of dentures in the jaw is performed by means of natural gingival protrusions or special hooks and locks.
Dentists use removable dentures in a variety of situations. For example, in order to allow the patient to eat and socialize normally while waiting for permanent dentures to be made, the dentist will temporarily provide a removable denture. It is inexpensive and allows you to hide the cosmetic defects of missing or shaved teeth. However, that is all. Full restoration of functionality and aesthetics is out of the question. That is why, a competent specialist will never recommend a temporary structure with a short lifespan for permanent use to their patients.
Gum inflammation
Gum inflammation is the first thing you will encounter when you consciously choose removable dentures for long-term use. In addition to the allergic reaction to acrylic, nylon, or metal that can occur immediately or sometime after the denture is placed, your gums will have to go through a difficult process of adapting to the unfamiliar removable denture. Some people go through this step for a few months, while others experience discomfort and pain for several years. Everything is very individual and unpredictable. Naturally, the removable orthopedic structure will be made exactly according to your gum structure, however, no dentist can predict how your gums will take such stresses before installation.
Painful sensations will occur with every meal, especially at first. You will have to give up some solid or hard foods. Porridge, soups, sliced apples, and pears are what will be part of your daily diet. Even soft, fresh bread, which turns into a sticky mass when chewed, will instantly stick to the denture.
Sometimes a person may have a loss of taste and increased salivation. However, even this is not the worst thing. Traumatic stomatitis and sores due to constant rubbing of the gums are the diagnoses that sooner or later almost every owner of removable dentures goes to the doctor with. It is good if the ulcer does not become chronic and develops fibrous tissue. Otherwise, you will need treatment by an oncologist.
Bone resorption
The tooth root, which is located deep in the bone, has a very important function. In addition to securely anchoring the tooth in the jaw, it places the necessary strain on the bone. Once the tooth is extracted along with the root, the bone begins to gradually shrink and atrophy due to the lack of load. Bone atrophy leads to unpleasant consequences, such as:
- Changes in appearance, rapid aging of the face
- Displacement of teeth, bite problems
- Gastrointestinal and temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Bone tissue functions fully only when it is under constant strain Removable dentures replace only the crowns that are visible when you smile. Therefore, after using them for a long time, you will be surprised to find that there is a small gap between the denture and the gingiva – this is the beginning of the process of bone atrophy, which will only progress over time without taking radical measures.
Get used to
Perhaps the most difficult thing after the placement of removable dentures is to get used to them. The very fact of partial or complete absence of teeth can negatively affect the psychological state of the patient, and then there is an unsightly jaw floating in a glass of water, which daily reminds a person of his physiological deficiencies. That’s not far off from depression!
Indeed, missing teeth greatly reduce a person’s quality of life, however, removable dentures in some cases only exacerbate the problem. Think of the funny videos when a person’s dentures accidentally fall out. It can happen anytime: while talking, eating, or even blowing out the candles on a birthday cake. However, imagine how embarrassed the person feels in front of others! For fear of being in such a situation, people with removable dentures tend to be insecure, shy, and reluctant to make contact.
Of course, you can follow the advertising and use special creams or gels to fix the denture in the jaw, however, like any chemical product, they are not always harmless to the body. Even small ingestion of cream can lead to allergies, nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. And the effectiveness of this fixative is questionable: under the influence of saliva, water, and food, it is gradually washed away and reduces its effect after a couple of hours.
Removable dentures are difficult to get used to, and you will constantly feel a foreign body in your mouth. Even more advanced, removable dentures without a palate create a lot of discomforts:
- They need to be removed frequently
- They damage the enamel of neighboring teeth
- Chafe the gums, causing hypoxia
- Cause an allergic reaction
- Easily break
Removable dentures, regardless of their cost, are only imitation dentures, which cannot fully claim to be the main way of replacing missing teeth. They can only be used for a limited period of time without compromising your health. That is why dentists throughout the civilized world have long abandoned removable dentures permanently, opting for the latest implant technology.
A modern alternative to removable prosthetic constructions – implant prosthetics
Depending on the number and location of missing teeth, the doctor will choose the best method of prosthetics for your upper or lower jaw with implants:
- If one tooth is missing – a single titanium root and crown are placed
- When the jaw is missing several teeth in a row – two implants and a bridge are placed
- With complete missing teeth in one or both jaws, All-on-4 treatment is used – the entire prosthetic structure is securely attached to four implants
Only this method of prosthetics in modern medicine is considered physiologically correct, durable, safe and the most comfortable for the patient. You invest only once in your health and you can regain the lost feeling of fullness, happiness, and joy for life.
Still, have questions? Ask us.
Before you decide to wear removable prostheses, think about the difficulties everyone who chooses removable dentures has. Buying even good removable dentures will lose more on your health than it will save.
If you want to know which method of dentures will best solve your problem with your missing teeth, giving you back your attractiveness and joy of communication – contact the specialists of DMC Tour for a consultation.
