Dentures have allowed millions of people to enjoy the benefits of a complete smile after tooth loss, but they can’t chew as well as real teeth. Chewing is a crucial part of the digestive process that pulverizes food into a pulp that can be metabolized more easily, and wearing dentures can make it difficult to consume tougher items like fresh meat, crunchy nuts, or raw veggies. Here’s how wearing dentures can affect your nutritional intake and how implant dentures may help you attain better health.
Chewing with Dentures
Tooth loss can make it difficult if not impossible to chew certain foods, and wearing traditional dentures can vastly expand a person’s diet. However, since traditional dentures cannot match the chewing power provided by natural teeth, patients may still miss out on many fibrous or crunchy foods that are rich in nutrients. Researchers have found that patients who wear dentures are much more likely to be malnourished than those with all their natural teeth.
The Lifespan of Traditional Dentures
A well-fitting pair of traditional dentures should be able to hold its place in the mouth with nothing but natural suction, which allows them to process many foods that may be unchewable with missing teeth. However, this suction-based hold is not as strong as would be ideal, and the mouth will continue to change shape while wearing dentures until the appliance no longer fits properly. To address the changing shape of the mouth, dentures must be periodically adjusted and eventually replaced. With excellent care, your appliance may last for up to ten years.
How Implant Dentures Can Help
Implant dentures are secured within the mouth by a series of dental implants placed directly in the jaw. After these titanium posts are inserted into the bone tissue, they integrate with it over the coming months through the natural process of osseointegration, creating a sturdy hold that allows the dentures to chew with greater force while keeping the jawbone stimulated. This exercise prevents or reverses the recession of the jawbone, allowing implant dentures to last much longer than traditional appliances.
Implant dentures can be a great way to improve your appearance as well as your oral and overall health. After a brief consultation, your dentist will be able to tell you if you are ready to receive dental implants.
About the Practice
Nu Dental Eatontown offers exemplary oral health services that make it easy to smile. Led by Drs. Admasu Gizachew, Monica Andrews, and Michael Habib, the staff delivers stellar experiences and effective treatments in a friendly and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. If you are curious about how implant dentures can help you, contact the office online or dial (732) 863-3899.