Loss of teeth can lead to a compromised lifestyle and low self-esteem. There are various reasons for missing teeth, such as dental problems, gum diseases, and old age. Many tooth replacement solutions in dentistry, such as dental bridges, implants, or cosmetic dentures, can restore your smile and dental health. When a person gets something new, be it a new denture or a new pair of shoes, it takes some time before adjusting to it. Moreover, if you think that dentures are only for older people, you are wrong. Dentures, partial or complete, can be made for any person suffering from tooth loss. This article is for you if you want to know whether you need a cosmetic denture and what happens when you get a denture.   Who needs a cosmetic denture? In old age or severe dental problems, most patients suffer from complete loss of teeth in either one or both jaws. Even though there are many options for a dental prosthesis- fixed or removable- patients usually settle for complete or cosmetic dentures as they are affordable, easy to maintain, and offer better patient compliance. A cosmetic denture is a removable, custom-made dental prosthesis purposely built for patients suffering from tooth loss or patients who do not qualify for a fixed prosthesis. Depending on the location and number of missing teeth, they can be partial or complete for one or both jaws.

Cosmetic Denture Basics · Complete dentures are recommended if the patient has a total loss of teeth in one or both jaws. · Partial dentures are given when the patient has one or more but not all missing teeth in one or both jaws. · Dentures are given to patients who cannot get or afford a fixed prosthesis like a dental bridge or dental implants.

What are the different types of dentures? Here are some different types of dentures:

• Conventional Dentures: these removable dentures can be partial or complete
• Implant-Supported Dentures: these are fixed dentures supported by implant screws
• Overdentures: these are also fixed dentures; however, they are supported by natural teeth   What happens after you get a cosmetic denture? Your dentist will examine and evaluate your oral health before getting a denture. The process to get a cosmetic denture is a lengthy one (requires more than a month in many cases), and the patient will be required to visit the clinic multiple times during and at times after the denture. For a complete denture, every tooth (decayed, broken, roots) is removed from the mouth. While for a partial denture that takes support from the natural tooth on either one or both ends – the dentist has to ensure that these abutments are in good health.

The dentists perform required processes such as extractions, restoring or treating the abutments, bone augmentation, or smoothening to ensure a perfect fit for the denture. Adequate time is given for the gums or any other oral tissues to completely heal before the dentist begins the process for the cosmetic denture. Once the oral cavity has healed, the dentist or the dental technician will take a dental impression of the mouth. This impression is a guide that enables dentists to create dentures by precisely replicating the oral anatomy.

The patient is called in, usually after a month, to check the initial fitting of the cosmetic dentures by placing them in the patient’s mouth. The patient is asked to pronounce some words and does actions like eating or swallowing to check if the denture is not loose, falls out, or rocks at any point. Necessary adjustments are made to ensure a natural and comfortable fit for the patient. After the initial fitting, the dentist will keep the patient on-call if more adjustments are needed to fine-tune the cosmetic dentures.

Things that happen after the denture process is complete After delivering the final denture, the dentist will ensure that it accommodates well in the patient’s mouth. The patient may find it difficult to adjust to their new smile in the initial days. However, it is perfectly normal. So, if you are planning to get a new denture, here are a few things you should be ready for: · The mouth will feel full and a little obtrusive · The patient might experience mild soreness and irritation, but it subsides in a couple of days · There can be an increase in saliva production · The voice may feel a little changed as the patient will have a clear speech and better pronunciation than before- when they had no teeth · The patient might find it difficult to eat and swallow initially- but that is just a psychological effect if the denture is not ill-fitting

Here is what you can do to adjust to the new cosmetic denture easily · Eat soft food, take small bites and chew slowly for a few days until you adjust to the newcomer in your mouth · Avoid biting with front teeth or eating hard foods · Gradually learn the basic steps for cleaning the denture · Clean the denture every day with non-abrasive toothpaste or cleaning fluids to avoid infections or any oral problems · Prevent the dentures from falling, as they may break   If the denture is not loose or uncomfortable, the patient will likely adjust to it in a few days. However, go to the dentist immediately if the denture is ill-fitting and has sharp edges, causing pain or extreme discomfort.

FAQ Do dentures affect kissing? No, they do not. Initially, you may find the denture a little uncomfortable or obtrusive. However, the new denture does not affect oral functions like kissing, eating, or drinking unless they are ill-fitting.

Do dentures change your voice? There is little or no change in your voice after getting the denture. However, you will experience better speech and pronunciation of words than before.   In a Nutshell Cosmetic dentures are a great way to restore your smile, speaking power, eating functions, and self-esteem. You should expect a minor irritation and discomfort initially, but it subsides entirely in a few days. If you feel something wrong with your cosmetic denture, you can always consult with your dentist, for they know your denture better!