Removable dentures have helped many people restore some degree of esthetics and chewing functionality. This is especially the case when the dentures are comfortable and are made to fit well, as in our downtown DC dental office.
A well made denture isn’t exactly cheap, yet it can be quite vulnerable to damage or getting lost. Dentists actually get a surprisingly large number calls about dogs chewing dentures, dentures getting lost, or denture getting damaged somehow when they are not in a person’s mouth.
The ability to remove a denture is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, taking the dentures out gives you the opportunity to give your gums a break and avoid denture stomatitis. Taking dentures out also allows you to clean them or remove debris that caught underneath them. On the other hand, the ability to remove dentures means putting them within reach of a dog who might think it’s a chew toy or losing track of them completely.
There are some precautions that can be taken to avoid losing or breaking dentures, but once they are lost or broken patients find themselves without an essential body part and reduced dental function. Losing dentures can majorly impact what someone can eat, how they speak, and their appearance; obviously a less than optimal situation.
People often seek peace of mind with implant-supported fixed dentures. These dentures are screwed into a base of several dental implants, acting and feeling like natural teeth. These are never removed by the wearer and are much slimmer profile and sturdier material, ensuring the wearer never needs to remove them and breaking is no longer an issue. These dentures will never get lost since you will always know where to find them, right inside your head.
If you have dentures and are concerned about the dentures breaking or getting lost, or if you are in the market for dentures, make sure to voice your concerns to your dentist. With years of experience helping denture wearers, dentists like the ones in our downtown DC dental office will have the advice and solutions that will help you smile, speak, and chew with peace of mind.