Why are dentures important to your oral health and overall wellbeing?

In a perfect world, everyone would have great oral health, no one would get injured, and natural teeth would last for life. Unfortunately, that is far from reality for millions of Americans. Gum disease, decay, injury, or other factors have cost them one or several teeth. If you are among them, replacing those teeth is important for restoring your oral health and confident smile. Dentures from Virtue Dental Care in Yadkinville, NC may be a great solution.

The impact of missing teeth

The loss of teeth can also bring a loss of comfort and confidence. Cosmetic restoration is one of the most common reasons people seek tooth replacement. They are tired of muffling their laughter, hiding their smiles, and avoiding public speaking. What many do not realize is that aesthetics are just one of many reasons that dentures, or some form of tooth replacement, are important.

• Inability to eat certain foods – When lack of teeth restricts your diet, not only do you miss out on some of your favorite foods, but your nutritional intake may also be affected. Many of the least nutritious and most processed foods are quite soft. Some of the healthiest choices, such as whole grains and raw vegetables, may take a bit more chewing.
• Poor chewing efficiency – Digestion begins not in the stomach, but in the mouth. Chewing converts large chunks into small particles while enzymes in saliva begin breaking it down. If you aren’t able to chew food well, the digestive process and nutritional bioavailability of food may ne affected.
• Wear and tear on remaining teeth – When teeth are missing, you naturally alter your chewing patterns and other jaw movements to accommodate. This can cause excess wear and tear on remaining teeth, as well as muscle strain due to unnatural movements.

• Misalignment – Although they seem firmly rooted, teeth can shift quite easily. When there is an empty space, adjacent teeth will begin to lean in that direction. This can cause further problems, as gaps between teeth widen, inviting plaque accumulation.
• Speech difficulties – The physical movements involved in speaking are automatic, so you probably don’t give them much thought. However, they are quite complex. Slight variations in the position of the tongue and what teeth it is contacting will result in distinctly different sounds.  When teeth are missing, you might find yourself unable to clearly pronounce certain words.
• Premature aging – Teeth and underlying bone form a significant portion of your facial structure. The lower jaw may move past its natural resting position, especially if all upper or lower teeth are missing. Additionally, bone loss accompanies tooth loss. The combination of factors can cause or worsen wrinkles, because the lower portion of the face is scrunched.

How dentures help

A denture will replace your natural teeth in appearance and functionality. There are two types of dentures; the best choice depends on the number of teeth that are missing.

• Partials – This is ideal if you still have some healthy teeth in both arches. A partial denture consists of several prosthetic teeth, attached to a frame. There are various styles, which may snap around existing teeth or have attachments that hold them in place.
• Full denture – This is for patients who are missing all upper or all lower teeth. A full denture has a complete set of prosthetic teeth, set in a gum-colored resin base. It is designed to fit the contours of your mouth perfectly, which creates natural suction that holds the appliance in place.

Who is a good candidate?

Virtually anyone with missing teeth is a potential denture candidate. However, you have other options as well. Your dentist will discuss the possibilities, and explain the pros and cons of each, helping you make the best decision for your situation. Patients who are missing just one or two teeth might prefer a fixed dental bridge. Furthermore, any number of teeth can be replaced with an implant-supported restoration.

Classic removable dentures are a good choice for people seeking an appliance that is fast and economical, as well as beautiful and functional. Dentures can be used as a long-term tooth replacement solution, or they may be worn short-term and later replaced with implants. The best way to explore your options is a consultation with one of our skilled dentists. Call Virtue Dental Care at (336) 606-0040 and schedule a consultation to get started.