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How Dentures Improve Your Oral Health: More Than Just a Smile Solution
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures are more than just a smile solution. While they are championed for their smile restoration abilities, dentures can offer powerful benefits in a variety of ways. No matter whether you’re considering getting dentures for the first time or looking into replacing your existing dentures, It’s clear that dentures and oral health go hand in hand.
Easier Chewing
Dentures help restore the ability to chew by providing support for the remaining teeth and filling in gaps. It may take some time to adjust to chewing with new dentures, so easing into it is key. Start with softer foods, chew slowly, and gradually work up to your regular diet. This approach will help you adapt to chewing with your dentures comfortably and effectively.
Clearer Speech
Initially, it may feel challenging to speak clearly with dentures. Much like adjusting to a retainer, you might experience a slight lisp at first. With practice, speaking will become more natural and your clarity will improve. Try these exercises to speed up the process:
- Tongue Twisters: Choose your favorite tongue twister like “she sells seashells down by the sea shore” or “red leather, yellow leather”, starting slowly and gradually increasing your pace.
- Read Aloud: Take advantage of any reading material—social media captions, a book, or an article. The more you practice, the sooner you’ll feel confident speaking with your dentures.
Support Facial Muscles to Maintain a Youthful appearance
Teeth play a significant role in maintaining the structure of your face. Missing teeth can lead to changes in the shape of your lips and cheeks, causing wrinkles and even a sunken or collapsed appearance. Dentures help fill these gaps, supporting facial muscles to maintain a fuller, more youthful look. They also assist in keeping your jaw aligned and stimulate the jawbone, which is essential for long-term oral health.
Types of Dentures
There are two primary types of dentures: complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used to replace an entire row of teeth, whereas partial dentures only replace a couple of the teeth, leaving the existing teeth intact. Partial dentures are less invasive, more affordable, and are often regarded as easier to care for. Complete dentures, also called full dentures, are a great option for those already missing a large number of teeth while partial would be ideal for those missing only a few.
The Process of Getting Dentures
Getting dentures typically involves four main steps:
- Consultation: You will meet one-on-one with your dentist to determine if dentures are a good fit for you.
- Preparation: Your dentist will take x-rays, 3D scans, and digital impressions of your teeth, gums, and jaw to gain a comprehensive understanding to design your dentures.
- Installation: Depending on your needs, your dentist may perform any necessary extractions before fitting the dentures. You may be fitted immediately or after a healing period, based on your unique oral health needs.
- Maintenance: Your dentist will continue routine checkups to ensure the longevity of your dentures and ensure you are familiar with proper denture care.
Schedule Your Consultation
Today’s dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever. Discover the life-changing benefits of dentures at Perimeter Dental Group in Columbus, Ohio. Schedule a consultation to explore the options and begin your journey to a healthier smile.