Can I Eat Before My Dentist Appointment?
Most of us brush our teeth before visiting the dentist, but what else should (or shouldn't) we do before an appointment? What about eating? Should you or shouldn't you? This...
Dentures are supposed to replace missing teeth. But all too often, your replacement teeth look and feel so different from the real thing that they totally miss the mark.
If your dentures aren’t behaving like natural teeth, then they’re just not worth it. Fortunately, you don’t have to either put up with slipping, clicking and disfunction or bite the bullet and get dental implant surgery. Digital dentures can make an unbelievable difference to your daily life – and your health and happiness in the long term.
Ever heard of digital dentistry? It’s an entirely new approach to fabrication of all kinds of dental restorations, from dentures to crowns to Invisalign aligners. And we think you’ll be pretty excited to hear more about how it works. Below, you can check out the coolest benefits of the AvaDent technology – and learn more about how they could impact your tooth replacement.
First Off: What is Digital Dentistry?
Dental technology may not seem like a super fascinating field, but it’s more compelling than you think! Today, new advances in technological capabilities make it possible for computers to have a say in the fabrication of your dentures.
Top Advantages of Digital Dentures
- Restorations are crafted with more precise measurements and without room for human error.
- Instead of having to go through normal impressions (and the gagging and discomfort that can accompany them), patients are able to take digital impressions. These 3D images are used to make detailed models of your entire mouth.
- There are fewer follow-up appointments necessary because the fit is typically excellent from the start. It’s all thanks to the precise models!
- There is a shorter adjustment period because dentures are made from detailed 3D impressions and fit great from the start.
- The patient record is carefully preserved. Since the denture impressions can be stored digitally, it’s simple to replace dentures in the future if there’s any kind of damage or if the denture is lost.
- AvaDent also uses top of the line materials that improve upon traditional dentures. These materials are more dense and reduce the risk of infection. Bacteria has a harder time becoming stuck in the dentures and irritating your gums.
Why So Many People Hate Dentures
There are so many problems that can accompany dentures. This is inherent in the restoration’s design. Since a denture replaces a full jaw of missing teeth, there isn’t anything more than the gums left to support the restoration. The gums do their best to support a denture, but they’re soft and prone to changing over time. The longer a patient wears dentures, the more likely the gums are to change shape. This leads to dentures feeling loose and inadequate.
Denture wearers may experience problems like these:
- Irritated gums from dentures rubbing against the soft tissues
- Tenderness from poorly-fitting dentures
- Struggling to perform regular tasks like speaking and eating
- Loose fit that leads to dentures slipping out of place and clicking against one another
- Infections from sores in the gums
Digital dentures tackle each of these problems and successfully change the patient’s experience.
Making Sure You Love Your New Dentures
Even with the incredible advantages that accompany digital dentures, there will still be an adjustment period after you get dentures for the first time. Dentures are very different from natural teeth, and they’re going to feel like a whole new thing. You’ll need to take some time to test them out and integrate them with your daily life.
Follow these tips to make sure that your dentures work as well as possible – that’s what you deserve!
- Don’t rush things – Anytime you get a new restoration or appliance, or have anything different about your mouth or gums, you’re going to feel uncomfortable and a little off. But all you need is some time before they seem right at home in your mouth. Some patients benefit from taking out their dentures at intervals throughout the day – usually every 4 hours, and taking a quick break.
- Eat carefully – You basically need to relearn how to eat properly once you’re chewing with your dentures. Start with softer foods to get used to the new restorations. Slowly work your way up to tougher foods, and you’ll eventually be comfortable eating anything you like.
- Try singing with your dentures in – There will be some practice necessary before you’re completely comfortable speaking with your dentures. Many speech therapists recommend that new denture wearers try singing along with songs to train themselves on proper diction.
- Do some exercises – We’re not talking about jumping jacks – it’s all about strengthening your cheeks. Since your cheek muscles move food around your mouth when eating and help you chew and swallow, building them up will help you work with your dentures. Try holding a wide smile for 10 seconds every so often to tone your cheeks.
- Try a denture adhesive – This will help your dentures adhere to your gums and remain comfortably in place. Ask us for a recommendation!
- Schedule follow-ups – Check in with Dr. Hoffman to make sure you’re progressing properly and your dentures are looking good!
Curious about trying AvaDent for yourself? Get in touch today.
