False teeth have been around since around 700BC and were made from whatever material was available such as animal teeth, human teeth and even wood. Artificial teeth have certainly evolved from those many centuries ago. They are a quick procedure and can be typically manufactured and inserted into a patient’s mouth in anywhere from two to six weeks. Technology has developed so much that the finished article is hard to detect as not being made up of real teeth. Over time the mouth and jaw muscles tend to become weaker and false teeth provide support for these muscles. It goes without saying that a patient’s smile will improve as a toothy smile is more attractive than a gummy smile.
Are there different types?
Essentially, as we tell our patients, artificial teeth fall into two categories complete and partial, complete is the replacement of all the teeth. Partial will take the form of a bridge to fill the gap left after the removal of a few teeth. The partial bridge can be either removable or fixed and is usually made with a base attached to a gum coloured wire which is connected to adjacent teeth. Dentures Essex can also be either conventional or immediate. The conventional category is usually made once the gum tissue has healed after the removal of the teeth. Immediate is when manufacture takes place beforehand and they can be placed in situ once the teeth have been removed. Gums and bones shrink and naturally more adjustment will be required over time with the immediate category.
What are they made from?
Dentures Essex are constructed in three components consisting of the base, the framework and the teeth. The preferred material of choice these days for the base is acrylic resin because it has a low toxicity. The framework is responsible for ensuring that the artificial teeth and gums stay in the correct place. This component is constructed from a base metal alloy and chrome cobalt, while bridges usually consist of a base metal alloy and a flexible polymer. The teeth component is either made from acrylic resin or porcelain. Acrylic resin adheres more securely to the base and is easier to adjust if necessary. Porcelain is the easier of the two to colour match to a patient’s natural teeth and feels more like the real thing.
Will I be able to eat naturally?
It usually takes a few weeks to get used to dentures and it is recommended by us to start with soft foods cut into small pieces and to chew carefully using both sides of the mouth. Chewing gum should be avoided as well as foods that are sticky and hard. Once used to the new teeth they will eventually feel comfortable and natural.
Will my speech be affected
It is possible that certain words may not be as easy to pronounce in the beginning, but over time by practising those words repeatedly they will become as natural to pronounce as before. An annoying clicking can sometimes occur when speaking, but our dentist at Crofts Dental Practice will be able to rectify this with a minor adjustment.
Proper and careful care
When you have dentures Essex we recommend daily cleaning by brushing with a suitable cleaning product, but not toothpaste as this is abrasive. When not in use it is recommended that they be placed in a cleanser soaking solution or simply in water, but not hot water. Proper maintenance will ensure many years of trouble free use.