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The False Teeth Shut-In

Are you a denture wearer who's afraid to be seen in public because your denture is unattractive? Do you find yourself eating alone because you can't eat foods your friends eat? Do you wear your partial dentures in your pocket?

Prosthodontics wearers, without knowing it, can become dental "shut-ins." They begin, subtly, to reorient their lifestyle around loose dentures. When false teeth don't look or function properly, some people withdraw from their social lives and suffer depression and diminished self-esteem. Some even become recluses.

Tale of a shut-in

One prosthodontics patient - a truck driver - couldn't eat properly with his cheap dentures. At truck stops, he would take his food back to his truck and eat alone. He gave up his only social activity on the road - swapping stories with other drivers over a meal. For two years, he was a prisoner in his own truck.

But many people can reverse this situation. When false teeth look and feel right, a denture wearer's whole mental outlook can brighten.

Eating gives pleasure and a feeling of security learned from early feeding experiences. It's an important part of most social occasions. When a person controls the quality and quantity of his food, he's able to achieve this sense of security and a feeling of self-esteem.

So let's start fresh.

There's no need to feel unattractive or live in fear of a denture faux pas in the company of friends and family. Your dentist can help you regain function, comfort, and a natural appearance by replacing or refitting your denture. A well-fitting denture is a small sort of miracle, but one that works wonders for your self-esteem. Don't be a shut-in. Call your prosthodontist, and start smiling again.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Prosthodontist - Denture and Prosthodontic Questions

Q. What is a prosthodontist?

A. A prosthodontist is a specialist in the restoration and replacement of broken and missing teeth. Their training lasts an additional three years after four years of dental school. During that time, a prosthodontist is taught in greater detail about both removable and fixed prosthodontics.

Removable prosthodontics includes replacing missing teeth with appliances that the patients themselves can take in and out of their mouth, such as dentures and partial dentures.

Fixed prosthodontics includes replacing missing and/or broken teeth with restorations that the patient cannot take in and out, such as veneers, crowns, bridges, and implants.

Q. What are dentures?

A. Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth.

Q. What are complete dentures?

A. Complete dentures are dentures that replace a complete set of missing teeth.

Q. What is the difference between conventional dentures and immediate dentures?

A. Conventional dentures are dentures that are made and placed after the remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed. Immediate dentures are dentures that are placed immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth.

Q. What is an over-denture?

A. An over-denture is a denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants.

Q. What do dentures feel like?

A. For a few weeks, new dentures will feel awkward until you become accustomed to them. They might feel loose until the cheek and tongue muscles learn to hold them in position. It is not unusual to feel minor irritation or soreness. The patient needs to see his or her dentist or prosthodontist for regular fit adjustments to relieve any sore areas.

Q. Are you able to eat with dentures?

A. Eating with dentures will take a little practice. You should start with soft foods that are cut into small pieces. As you become used to chewing, you can return to your normal diet.

Q. Are there foods you should avoid if you wear dentures?

A. There are only a few eating restrictions for denture wearers. Avoid biting down directly on crunchy or hard foods, like whole apples, hard pretzels, crusty bread, or large sandwiches. They can break because of the angle where the denture comes into contact with the hard surface.

Biting is limited only by the stability of the dentures themselves. Insufficient bone structure (shrunken bone ridges covered by gum tissue), old or worn dentures, and a dry mouth decrease stability.

Q. If you wear dentures, are dental adhesives necessary?

A. Today's dentures have been significantly improved through advances in both dental and materials technologies. As a result, dentures that fit properly usually do not require adhesives to secure the dentures. When you are just getting used to dentures, adhesives may be advised, but otherwise should not be necessary.

A loose denture is a sign that it doesn't fit your mouth correctly. When first getting used to dentures, you may notice them slipping when you laugh, smile, or cough, which is caused by air getting under the base and moving it. The more you wear dentures, the better you will be able to control their movements in these situations.

If your mouth has insufficient bone structure, dentures will be more difficult to retain. Your dentist or prosthodontist may advise the placement of implants. These are placed in the bone and retain the denture with small, precision attachments.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.