Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Problems with Full Dentures

You may have assumed that your dental problems will be over if you have your teeth pulled and replaced with full dentures. This is not the case. Most people who wear them will tell you that there are a number of problems with full dentures that you need to be aware of before you invest in them.

Problems with EatingOne of the problems with full dentures is that it takes you much longer to eat. You are only able to bite down with 15% to 20% of your normal force when chewing food.
This makes it hard for you to eat a number of foods, especially certain fruits and vegetables. These are crucial for your overall health, so it is important that you weigh these facts carefully before making a decision.
It may also be difficult to taste your food. Upper dentures, in particular, will cover the taste buds on the roof of your mouth.

Gagging and Sore SpotsAnother problem with full dentures is gagging. Many people have a strong gag reflex and find it impossible to wear uppers on the tops of their mouths.
Sore spots can also appear in the mouth. Tissues in the mouth are not adapted to having plastic continually rubbing against them.

Problems Associated with Shrinking JawboneOne of the most serious problems with full dentures is the loss of jawbone mass. You see, the jawbone needs tooth roots in order to have something to grow around. When teeth are lost, roots are lost as well. The jawbone, which is normally stimulated by the vibrations that travel through tooth roots during chewing, no longer is stimulated while eating.

If nothing is done about this, over time, the jawbone begins to recede. Dentures do not prevent this from happening, nor do they reverse the process. This is because they simply lay over the gums, and they do not have anything to replace missing tooth roots. In fact, after a few months, the denture will become loose and have to be relined at a dental office.

Every few years, it will have to be completely replaced with a new set of dentures.
There is also a problem with full lower dentures. The base for this denture is smaller than the one on top. As bone loss begins to flatten the surface of the jaw, there is little mass left that can hold the bottom denture in place. This shrinkage can also expose nerves that run through the jawbone. This will cause the jaw to hurt, and it can even begin to go numb every time you bite down.

This loss of bone mass in your jaw will alter your appearance. Your nose will get closer to your chin, and your lips will start to collapse. Premature wrinkles will form because there is less lip support, and you will look older than you really are.

The Expense of DenturesAnother problem with full dentures is the long-term costs. Even though it is cheaper to buy them up front, when you factor in the costs of removing teeth, making dentures, relining them, and remaking them, you can quickly see how the money adds up.

It is for these reasons that Houston Cosmetic Dentists at the Houston Medical Center Dental Group recommend investing in better ways to save your natural teeth. You will feel better, enjoy your food much more, and you will have much more confidence when you smile.

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