Dentures are a common solution for replacing multiple missing teeth pain. Although there are certain advantages of dentures, they come with their own set of issues. Living with traditional dentures can make you feel self-conscious and hurt your self-esteem. Read on to understand why dentures can make you feel insecure and how you can overcome them.

Types of Dentures:

There are a few different types of dentures, but the two basic varieties are complete/ full and partial dentures.

What are the steps in denture treatment?

There are several steps involved in fabricating a denture. Your mouth is prepared by extracting teeth that are damaged beyond repair, and gum disease is treated. During the first appointment, your dentist will take impressions (moulds) of your jaw bones. Next, your bite and orientation of your jaws are registered. Patients, along with the help of their dentist, select the size, shape, and shade of the teeth for the denture.

A final impression is made and sent to the laboratory. The lab sends a mockup of your denture with teeth set in wax. This attempt is very crucial to check the bite, teeth position, speech, and esthetics. This is the last step before the final denture is fabricated. Any necessary changes are sent to the lab. On the next visit, the denture is delivered to the patient. Minor alterations, like any sore spots, can be adjusted in the next few weeks.

Why can dentures make you feel insecure?

A lot of people who wear dentures are extremely uncomfortable and apprehensive. This fear arises from the different problems of dentures, such as the inability to speak clearly and eat properly. Denture wearers are anxious that the denture might get dislodged while they are speaking or eating and, hence, usually restrain themselves from smiling and laughing while speaking in public. Their social life and career can suffer from fear of embarrassment. Thus, the pros of removable partial and complete dentures can offset their cons.

Alternatives to Dentures

1. Dental implants

Dental Implants are an effective alternative to dentures. Implants are titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone. It takes around 3-6 months for these implants to get securely attached to the bone, after which they act as anchors to the pain of the replacement teeth.

Dental implants improve the patients' confidence tremendously as they are fixed and hence make eating, speaking, and smiling comfortable – just the way with natural teeth. If cared for properly, they can last a lifetime. Hence, they are a long-lasting investment.

2. Overdentures

This is the best solution for those who have missed all or most of their teeth. These dentures are placed over implants and are securely attached to them. They stay in place, they are stable, and don't move around while speaking, eating, or smiling. This way, you can get permanent dentures.

The dental implants act as tooth roots and stimulate the jawbone. This helps to prevent bone loss, unlike traditional dentures that become loose over time due to bone loss. You can remove these dentures to clean them so they can last for a long time.

3. Dental bridges

This is another solution for those who are missing a single or few teeth. A dental bridge replaces the missing tooth, which is attached to crowns that are placed on teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. The only disadvantage is that some structures of healthy teeth need to be removed in order to place dental crowns. It is a fixed appliance, and hence, there is no worry about it coming off while you talk or eat.

FAQ

• Are dentures suitable for everyone who has lost teeth? Dentures are a suitable option for people who have lost some or most of their teeth. While dental implants and bridges are fixed alternatives for replacing missing teeth, they may not be feasible for everyone, particularly if there is poor bone quality. In such cases, dentures are often the preferred solution as they can provide a functional and comfortable option for restoring your smile.

Summary

Dentures are a common solution for replacing missing teeth, but they come with certain challenges. While dentures restore function, they can also make individuals feel insecure. The discomfort and fear of dentures shifting during speech or eating can lead to social anxiety, limiting one's confidence in public interactions. Furthermore, traditional dentures may not offer the same stability or comfort as natural teeth, causing wearers to feel self-conscious when laughing or speaking.

Fortunately, advancements in dental technology have introduced alternatives that can provide more comfort and confidence. Dental implants, overdentures, and dental bridges offer fixed solutions that mimic the feel and function of natural teeth, reducing the potential for embarrassment. These alternatives are especially beneficial for individuals with bone loss, as implants and overdentures help prevent further deterioration. Exploring options like these with a skilled dentist can help you make an informed decision about restoring both your smile and confidence.

Thus, if you are restricting your social life for fear of embarrassment from dentures, talk to your dentists for an informed decision. After a thorough examination, they will make a treatment plan for you.