Dentures and Cosmetic Dentistry
This page on HealthMBA is about the advances in tooth replacement and the materials available that look and feel very natural. For those who elect to go ahead with dentures there are many positive factors for health and appearance. It takes some getting used to, but well crafted replacement teeth will restore function and beauty.
In the past the mention of dentures equated with someone of old age who had lost their natural teeth and had gotten a replacement set of "false teeth". More advanced orthodontic materials and procedures can more often preserve and save older teeth and and give them a beautiful, new appearance with a perfect smile. Dental health is something that with a little care on a daily basis will lead to a lifetime of enjoyment a a great smile. Brushing and flossing regularly and with good technique keeps harmful bacteria and plaque from building up and making cavities. The mouth and gums are a sensitive area of the body and it can affect the rest of the body if with an infection or even cancer. In some cases though there is no other choice but to remove damaged, worn out or infect teeth and to affix replacements.
Dentures serve as replacement teeth, usually made of a very natural looking acrylic resin, that can fill in the gaps of missing teeth (partial), or in some cases the full set. Denture can usually be removed and reaffixed to the gums. Getting by with missing teeth can cause speech problems, difficulty chewing, and leaves an unnatural shape in filling out the mouth. With dentures it is important to keep them clean, so they must be removed and cleansed daily. To clean the dentures it is important to use a non-abrasive solution. Using boiling water to clean and sterilize will often cause damage in the forms of cracking or even melting. Just like natural teeth it is important to keep the dentures clean so that you will avoid a buildup of bacteria that can spread and infect the rest of the mouth. It does take some getting used to when you have new dentures, but with proper care they will last for many years.
In many cases it is not quite the same to chew with the replacement teeth. It is typical to not chew quite as efficiently before and if the fit is not right it can be awkward or painful when you're eating. There are solutions to use to soak the dentures overnight that will cleanse and disinfect them. Having dentures is not an embarrassing thing, and old concerns that it would look artificial or that they will fall out at a bad time no longer have any basis. Other kinds of dentistry can save faltering teeth, and more importantly it can safeguard the health of your gums and underlying bone material.
Cosmetic dentistry deals in procedures that are not as urgent to your health, but the appearance and preventative maintenance helps safeguard you teeth and does away with the dull and worn down appearance of years of use or unfortunate accidents. The technique of recapping or crowning worn down teeth keeps them strong and full, and placing a resin surface over badly crooked or discolored teeth creates a wonderful appearance. These may not be directly related to your health, but regaining a good smile and a positive body image will pay off in great self esteem.
