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Tooth loss can result from a variety of causes including periodontal disease, tooth decay, or traumatic injury. It is vital to replace missing teeth immediately because the effects of missing teeth can lead to a shift in your remaining teeth, an inability to bite and chew properly, as well as a sagging facial appearance, which makes one appear older than they really are. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health as a whole. Dentures can help. Today, dentures are designed to be comfortable and functional, offering an appearance that is very close to natural teeth. Dentures can improve your smile and facial appearance, as well as re-establish your ability to chew and speak. In addition, it provides support for your facial muscles, which helps prevent facial drooping, to greatly enhance your smile and appearance. Custom-Made and Economy Dentures Your dentist in Virginia Beach fashions custom dentures to complement your facial features and lifestyle. If you are facing the possibility of replacing your teeth with dentures, it is important to understand how they will impact your lifestyle. Whether you are missing some or all of your natural teeth, custom made dentures provide a host of benefits. Replacement teeth will help fill out your smile by giving support to the cheeks and lips. With advances in dentistry, dentures fit comfortably and look just like your natural teeth. An in-house laboratory allows for easy fabrication without having to wait weeks for results from an outside lab. Made when all of your natural teeth are missing, complete dentures can be used on your upper or lower jaw, or both. Complete dentures are often called "conventional" or "immediate" depending on when they are made and inserted into the mouth. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of your remaining teeth. In order for this to happen your dentist takes measurements of your mouth and teeth and makes the models of your jaws during a preliminary visit. An advantage of immediate dentures is that you do not have to be without teeth during the healing period. Bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after removal of your teeth. When shrinking does occur, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to allow for a proper fit. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues have been healed, which can take at least six to eight weeks. Helpful Tips for Proper Denture Care It is very important to practice proper dental hygiene when wearing dentures. Additionally, it is best to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water when handling your denture, just in case you accidently drop it. Brush your denture with a denture brush daily to remove food deposits and plaque, which can also keep your denture from becoming permanently stained. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, as it can damage your dentures. When purchasing a cleanser for your dentures, keep an eye out for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Upon initial wear, dentures may cause eating and speaking to be difficult. Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of your mouth to keep even pressure on the denture and avoid sticky or hard foods, including gum. Your dentist can work with you to tailor a self-care plan that will ensure optimal use of your dentures. If you are missing multiple teeth, or even all of your teeth, contact your Virginia Beach dentist today to see if dentures are an appropriate solution to restoring your smile.
Dr. Christopher Hooper, Virginia Beach dentist, received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from James Madison University and completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. Dr. Hooper, dentist in Virginia Beach, also completed a post-graduate Advanced General Dentistry Residency at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
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