Dentures

The loss of teeth can result in many health issues for West Somerville dental patients. An incomplete bite can affect chewing and, consequently, what we can and cannot eat. Improper or incomplete chewing habits can lead to indigestion and even more serious conditions like malnutrition. A single missing tooth can alter the alignment of all the other teeth and change the bite pattern of the patient, possibly resulting in pain for the entire head region including the neck and jaw. Missing teeth can be replaced in several ways including fabrication and placement of a denture fitted by a Somerville dental professional.

Patients have the option of complete dentures which replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaws, or partial dentures or overdentures to replace a couple of teeth. Partial dentures clip onto a clasp attached to two abutting teeth (one on either side) and, so are removable, and are most appropriate for people who have a few lost teeth.

Dentures are not generic items, but are molded to fit the gum line and jaw shape of each patient. This process requires a comprehensive assessment of the gum line and facial bones of the patient to guarantee that the denture will fit. A few Somerville patients may need to have the remaining natural teeth extracted or parts of the jaw reshaped to ensure a perfect fit. Sometimes, during the extraction or shaping process swelling may occur in which case a temporary denture is inserted for six to twelve months before a permanent denture is made so that it fits properly.

Dentures can be made from an assortment of materials, and how much a denture will cost and how it will look depends largely on the material chosen by the patient. Polymer dentures are more natural in appearance and are significantly more durable than plastic dentures. People often choose the higher expense of getting a polymer denture because of its advantages. Sometimes more than one metal is used to provide a better fit, which consequently increases the cost of the denture.

Denture care is quite simple, and should be incorporated into a traditional dental hygiene plan. Like the remaining teeth, gums and palate, dentures should be brushed and cleaned more than once a day. Somerville dentists recommend removing dentures at night because it allows saliva to reach the gums and perform its natural functions of maintaining a healthy environment, and for the dentures to be soaked in a cleansing solution that will destroy bacteria and irritants. Because dentures may occasionally irritate the gums and lining of the mouth, it is important to keep them, and the mouth, as clean and healthy as possible. Use of dentures without proper oral hygiene can result in infection and even more severe health problems.

Denture wearers will need to arrange specific denture maintenance appointments with their Somerville dentist every five to seven years.