Are dentures right for me?

Advantages and Disadvantages of wearing dentures.

Dentures are a common solution for people with missing or damaged teeth. They provide a way to restore the appearance and function of a person’s smile, but they also have their own set of pros and cons. In this blog post, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of wearing dentures to help you make an informed decision about whether they are right for you.

Advantages of Wearing Dentures

1. Improving Appearance: Dentures can replace missing teeth, restoring or enhancing the natural appearance of a person’s smile. This can be especially important for people who feel self-conscious about their missing teeth or have trouble smiling in public.
2. Improving Speech: Dentures can improve speech by correcting any mumbling or slurring caused by missing teeth. This can be especially important for people who rely on clear speech for work or social interactions.
3. Improving Chewing and Digestion: Dentures can improve a person’s ability to chew and digest food. This can be especially important for people who have trouble eating certain foods or are unable to properly chew their food.
4. It is very important as a temporary solution when considering implants in the future as the dentures keeps the space open and also do not let the opposing tooth to grow in the open space created by the missing dentition.
5. Enhancing Self-esteem: Wearing dentures can boost a person’s confidence and self-esteem. This can be especially important for people who feel self-conscious about their missing teeth or have trouble smiling in public.

Disadvantages of Wearing Dentures

1. Initial Discomfort: Dentures may cause discomfort, soreness, and pain in the mouth during the initial adjustment period. This can be especially difficult for people who have never worn dentures before or who have sensitive gums however after the adjustment period which can take few weeks no discomfort should occur.
2. Ill-fitting Dentures: Poorly fitting dentures can cause discomfort, rubbing, and sore spots in the mouth. This aspect can be very frustrating therefore we recommend seeing a professional to identify the reasons of the dentures being uncomfortable and alter them accordingly or making a new set of dentures that fit well.
3. Slipping Dentures: Dentures may slip and move around in the mouth, especially when a person is speaking or eating if they haven’t been looked after for a while. If the dentures are slipping, there can be an indication that the dentures need a reline which is a rebase of the fitting surface.
4. Required Maintenance: Dentures need to be cleaned regularly and replaced every 5 to 8 years. This can be especially inconvenient for people who are busy or who have trouble maintaining their dentures.
5. Eating Restrictions: Some foods may be difficult to chew or may be off-limits due to their texture. This can be especially frustrating for people who enjoy certain foods or who have trouble finding foods that are easy to eat with dentures.
6. Cost: Dentures can be expensive however they cost a fraction comparing to the cost of implants. Check with your private health fund for the benefits or ask us about free interest payment plans. This can be especially difficult for people who are on a budget or who have limited financial resources.

In conclusion, wearing dentures can provide many benefits, but they also have their own set of disadvantages. It is important to carefully consider the pros and cons of wearing dentures before making a decision. If you are considering dentures, it is best to consult with a dental professional to determine if they are right for you and to get the best possible fit and comfort.