Do you have any missing teeth, and do you find that embarrassing? If you do, then you need to know that you aren’t alone. About 36 million Americans are missing all of their teeth, which might sound shocking to some. About 15% of those people losing all of their teeth wind up getting dentures yearly, according to the American College of Prosthodontists. People that get dentures usually visit denturists that provide denture services to patients.
When to Visit a Denturist
Some dentists also offer dentures to patients. However, many Americans select instead to visit a denturist when obtaining dentures because they specialize in only dentures. By comparison, dentists typically offer other services. For example, a dentist can provide an examination, check your gums, perform root canals, etc. Denturists don’t usually offer these types of additional services.
On occasion, some people receive a referral from their dentist to visit a denturist. Other people choose to visit a denturist directly because denturists also tend to offer more affordable rates than regular dentists.
Denturists typically cost less than dentists because denturists conduct laboratory work onsite. That means their services cost less and require less time for people needing assistance quickly with their teeth. So, when finances are an issue for specific individuals, they typically seek out a denturist.
Replacing Lost Teeth
Denturists work to create dentures for individuals experiencing issues with lost teeth. If you decide to visit a denturist for dentures, a few things will happen during the visit. The denturist will initially take impressions of your gums as well as teeth you still have. Using these impressions, the denturists makes your dentures.
After creating the dentures, a professional fits the dentures into your mouth. Once fitting takes place, you may then receive a temporary and later a permanent set of dentures. The expert will make sure the dentures fit the patient’s’ mouth comfortably.
Denturists offer patients the opportunity to obtain a comfortable, good-looking set of replacement teeth that can boost confidence in individuals. Denturists usually receive training in the following duties:
- Obtaining a patient’s medical history to recognize any problems that might happen if a person wants dentures.
- Taking a visual examination of the patient’s needs. That means assessing the patient’s teeth, mouth, and facial appearance.
- Obtaining impressions of a person’s mouth and remaining teeth to help create a personalized set of dentures.
- Creating upper and lower dentures or overdentures. Sometimes, these dentures will be temporary, and other times, permanent. Denturists must also know how to create partial dentures.
- After creating the dentures, a denturist must know how to place the dentures correctly into the patient’s mouth. This insertion includes making necessary adjustments to the dentures.
- Screen, hire and manage a variety of dental employees. Most denturists maintain dental assistants and a dental administrator. Those people assist the denturist with running the daily activities of the office.
If you enjoy an intrinsically rewarding job option, then a denturist offers you the opportunity to experience a beneficial career. By assisting people with their missing teeth and improving their appearances, you’ll encounter plenty of intrinsic rewards. Many individuals that suffer from tooth loss feel self-conscious about their missing teeth and try to hide their smiles. However, obtaining dentures for a better smile often boost a person’s confidence.
Also, denturists often run their businesses, providing them with plenty of freedom. Some denturists also work alongside dentists in general dental practice buildings.
Oral Care Tips for Your Dentures
If you decide to receive dentures, there are a few oral care tips for your dentures that you can follow. These steps include:
- Make sure you don’t allow your dentures to dry out. You need to keep your dentures in a denture cleanser solution or use water when you take them out. If you use water, make sure you follow that water cold. Hot water can warp your dentures.
- Remember to brush your dentures every day. By doing that, you’ll remove food and dental plaque. Keeping your dentures brushed also help to keep your dentures from staining.
- Continue to care for your mouth. While you do need to clean your dentures, you also need to keep brushing your gums, tongue, and palate each morning as well before putting your dentures in. By doing this, you’ll cut back on the plaque in your mouth.
- If you notice any chips, breaks, or cracks in your dentures, or if your dentures become loose, make sure you talk to your denturist.
After you get your dentures set by your denturist, it’s important to maintain proper communication with your denturist. Make sure you attend all necessary follow-up appointments and if you notice any issues with your dentures, like cracks, chips, or breaks, you will need to call your denturist to maintain proper denture care. Maintenance of your dentures is an important part of ensuring your dentures last the rest of your lifetime.