Dental experts all over the world agree that modern-day medicine has made it possible for people to enjoy optimum oral health. Thanks to advances in the art of dentistry and dental health management, there are a plethora of treatment options available for people of all ages with specific oral health needs.
Despite the availability of sophisticated and flashy novel dental treatments today, one of the most reliable oral treatments one can avail of is hundreds of years old yet still stands the test of time. What is it, you may ask? It’s dentures.
Dentures are common dental prosthetics that replace missing teeth to restore a natural-looking smile. They offer functional benefits, such as improved chewing ability, speech, and enhanced confidence. Nonetheless, dentists state that not everybody is a prime candidate for dentures at a given time.
Dental professionals in Australia and beyond argue that there’s a right time for an individual to avail themselves of dentures. To help you determine when the appropriate time is for you to get dentures, keep on reading below.
- When You’re Suffering With Poor Oral Health
Dentures are necessary if you’re dealing with extensive tooth decay, gum disease, and others. Seeking advice from professionals such as a denture clinic Sydney or where you’re living in is imperative as they can assess your oral health and determine the most appropriate course of action soonest.
Notably, dentures come in various types, and several distinct elements influence determining the most appropriate denture type. Check them out below:
- Complete Dentures
Complete or full dentures are removable dental appliances that replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They’re custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth and provide a functional and aesthetic replacement for missing teeth.
- Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are designed to replace only a few missing teeth. And they’re removable, with replacement teeth that are natural-looking and glued to a gum-colored base material. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth are still present and can support the prosthetic teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures offer a more stable and secure option for replacing missing teeth. These dentures are supported by dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, providing a solid foundation.
Additionally, implant-supported dentures offer improved chewing efficiency, increased comfort, and enhanced speech, giving patients a more natural smile.
Your dentist will guide you through the selection process and help you choose the type of denture that best meets your needs.
- When You’re Afflicted Functional Impairment
To determine if it’s the right time to get dentures, a good indication is if you’re suffering from functional impairment. If chewing your food can cause distress or unease due to tooth decay or an existing absence of a tooth, it’s highly likely you’re afflicted with functional impairment.
Contacting your dentist to arrange an oral examination promptly is best. Dentures can be a reliable and efficient way to restore the functionality of your teeth, enabling you to enjoy a varied and nutritious diet.
- When You’re Poor State Of Dental Wellness Is Causing You A High Deal Of Emotional And Psychological Distress
Considering your emotional and psychological well-being is important when deciding the best time to get dentures. Missing teeth can significantly impact your self-esteem and overall emotional well-being. Experiencing shame due to your smile’s appearance can disrupt your personal and work life. Moreover, progressed dental ailments can discourage you from smiling in photographs, laughing, or feeling self-assured when talking to people.
Thus, getting dentures can be life-changing if you feel self-conscious about your smile or avoid social situations due to embarrassment. Restoring a natural-looking smile can boost your self-confidence and allow you to fully engage in social interactions.
- When You’re Suffering From Bone Loss And Loose Teeth
Utilizing dentures can help alleviate the strain exerted on the remaining teeth. Also, they aid in closing the gaps allowing for standard functionality while eating and speaking.
It’s even said that without extra support, there’s an elevated risk of further tooth loss. This is because the remaining teeth undergo wear and shift within the spaces created by the missing teeth. And over time, the absence of teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which can affect the stability of your remaining teeth. This can shift and misalign teeth and lead to further oral health issues.
If you’re experiencing significant bone loss or notice that your teeth are shifting, it may indicate that getting dentures sooner rather than later is beneficial. Dentures can help restore proper alignment, prevent bone loss, and maintain optimal oral health.
Conclusion
Deciding on the best time to get dentures is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a dental professional. Considering your oral health, functional impairment, emotional well-being, and any signs of bone loss or shifting teeth will help you determine the right time for getting dentures.
Do remember that dentures are a long-term commitment, requiring regular maintenance and adjustments. Thus, proper care can significantly improve your quality of life by restoring your smile, enhancing functionality, and boosting self-confidence.
