Dentures are a complex subject, wrapped with a lot of choices and questions that you may have. One of the most common beliefs regarding dentures is that they do not affect a person's ability to eat foods such as apples, corn on the cob etc. Depending on the condition of each individual’s mouth, fulfilling such expectations is extremely difficult and in some case impossible.
There are a few patients who are just fine with their dentures, and there are many who hate them. The question is 'What is it that makes wearing dentures so uncomfortable?'
To help you understand, we've put together some of the more common difficulties encountered while wearing dentures.
Chewing Efficiency Is Reduced
Even if your dentures are well-fitting, unfortunately you chewing efficiency will be reduced by at least 50%. Dentures tend to move around a lot. While the uppers are held in by suction to provide them stability, the lowers just rest in the ridge of your jawbone. It needs your time and effort to train your cheeks and tongue in order to keep them in place. It often causes discomfort as you bite down. It’s even more difficult to eat if your dentures fit poorly, and as a result some patients are recommended a diet that consist nothing but soft foods. This not only makes life unpleasant but brings a negative impact on your overall health.
Dentures Can Slip or Fall Out
The very fact that dentures are removable means they float in your mouth, especially when you speak and can slip or fall out. Such embarrassing situations can arise at most inappropriate times - while in public, in meetings or talking your friends. Although they are stable during the initial use, but tends to move and slip more and more as your jawbone shrinks over time.
Your Jawbone Will Shrink
When your teeth are removed, it sends a signal to your body that your jawbone is no longer needed and begins reabsorbing the minerals from the bone that can be used in any other parts of your body. As a result, your jawbone begins to shrink causing your dentures to not fit well. This is the most serious issue with dentures and can lead to a threatening condition called facial collapse.
After your teeth are extracted, there is enough bone support to provide stability to your dentures for the first two years. As time passes, more minerals are reabsorbed, causing your jawbone to shrink in size. Not only it creates a challenge while chewing but you will get that shriveled look to your jaw, commonly seen in the elderly peopne who have no teeth. Eventually, there won’t be enough jawbones to support your dentures and can cause you completely lose your chewing efficiency, making you a dental cripple unable to properly chew your favorite foods.
Getting used to dentures can be difficult and takes some time. You may also notice increased salivary flow. Generally, this lasts only a few days and as your mouth gets used to the denture, the saliva flow will return to normal.
Preventing Denture Problems
Many denture problems can be avoided, if you:
- Follow your dentist’s instructions on wearing the dentures.
- Keep your dentures and mouth clean.
- Remove them every night.
- Continue your dental visits for regular check-ups.
- Contact your dentist immediately if you have problems with the dentures.
