Everyone would agree that a full set of pearly whites is one of the most important ingredients of a beautiful smile. Sadly, some people begin to lose a few teeth as they age or due to accidents, forcing them to hide that once-beautiful smile. Fortunately, dental technology has come up with several ways to overcome missing teeth. One such way is by installing dentures.
Dentures have come a long way since the earliest ones created by the Etruscans all the way back in 700 B.C. Today, dentures are made of acrylic or metal, making them durable. Although many people think of dentures as complete replacements for missing teeth, many dentists also offer sturdy dental partials, dentures designed to fill in the gaps caused by a few missing teeth, to their patients.
If you are interested in having dentures made, be sure to contact an experienced dentist that offers them to his or her patients. Once in the dentist’s office, a mold of your mouth will be taken to help the dentist design some trial dentures. After a few adjustments to make the dentures a snug fit in your mouth, you now have a new set of sparkling teeth.
Once you have been outfitted with your new set of dentures- whether it is a full or partial set- be sure to take the necessary measures to ensure the appearance of your new false teeth. By heeding the following tips from WebMD, and the suggestions of a reputable dentist like Dr. Kent Davis, you can keep your dentures looking pristine for years to come:
Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food and plaque. Brushing also helps prevent the development of permanent stains on the dentures. Use a brush with soft bristles that is specifically designed for cleaning dentures. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush as it can damage or wear down dentures.
Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid can be used for cleaning dentures. Household cleansers and many toothpastes may be too abrasive for dentures and should not be used.
Dentures need to be kept moist when not being worn so they do not dry out or lose their shape… However, if the denture has metal attachments, the attachments could tarnish if placed in a soaking solution… Dentures should never be placed in hot water, as it can cause them to warp.
(Article Excerpt and Image from Caring for Dentures, WebMD, undated article)