Aging is a natural phenomenon; the body and mind undergo a series of changes that are inevitable. As the process of aging sets in, the individual wouldn’t look the same as he did 15 or 20 years ago. Our skin, eyesight, memory, body movement, and teeth bear the brunt of the aging process. There are various methods that allow people to lead their lives normally despite the changes in the body, and dentures are one amongst them.

Dentures act as a replacement for missing real teeth, and these can be taken out and put back into the mouth whenever you want. Earlier, dentures were considered as a last resort since they were uncomfortable, ill-fitted, rough, and failed to fulfill their main purpose- that of altering the appearance. However, the modern-day dentures are customized to fit the individual and aren’t uncomfortable as the previous ones. Though these dentures are made-to-order, it takes time for an individual to get used to it. If you have qualms about getting dentures, keep reading to get acquainted with how dentures work and the different types of dentures you can choose from.

How do dentures work?
As mentioned earlier, dentures function as a replacement for missing teeth. Dentures prove instrumental in allowing the individual to use their teeth despite of losing many teeth. There are two main types of dentures- full and partial. The dentist would be the right person to advise you regarding the type of dentures you need to opt for.

Full or complete dentures have a flesh-colored acrylic base that is fitted over your gums, and the upper denture base covers the palate (the roof of the mouth). The lower denture is designed in the shape of a horseshoe for accommodating the tongue. The dentist would advise you to opt for full dentures when there are a lot of missing teeth. Such dentures can be worn throughout the day and can be taken off for cleaning at night. On the other hand, partial dentures are clipped on to the remaining natural teeth, and function in the same way as full dentures.

How to choose the right dentures?
Dentures can be custom-made, but you need to figure out which would be the right one for you. In order to choose the perfect dentures for yourself, abide by these tips; you will find the right dentures without any hassles.

• Fix an appointment with your dentist
  Dentures are made in the dental laboratory from the impressions taken from your mouth. So, to get this done, you need to visit your dentist. This is the first step in getting the right dentures for yourself. The dentist can gauge your dental health and determine the cause of your deteriorating dental health. For instance, certain medications such as epilepsy drugs can be detrimental for your oral health. Also, the dentist would be the one who would advise you about the type of dentures that would fit you perfectly. In addition to advising you about the type of dentures to opt for, the dentist can refer you to a prosthodontist near you for making the perfect dentures.
• Immediate dentures or the conventional ones?
  These days you can get your dentures in a day owing to the progress in the field of science and technology. Immediate dentures mean that you wouldn’t have to wait for dentures once your teeth are removed. These are immediately fitted once the remaining teeth are extracted. So, you can smile without being embarrassed about missing teeth. Such dentures are created before the teeth are extracted and are adjusted as the jaw bone heals. Such dentures are perfect for those individuals who have gaps in teeth that are quite visible.

Unlike immediate dentures, it takes a considerable time making the conventional dentures. Though these conventional dentures would require the individual to be without teeth for a month or so, these dentures are customized to provide better fitting than the immediate ones. Also, the time taken to make these dentures will prove beneficial since it would allow your jaw bones and gums to heal completely before the dentures are fitted. It takes time to get used to dentures, and though it might not be a pleasant experience, it is worth it when you can smile without being self-conscious.

• Look for free dentures or discounted dentures
  Chancing upon inexpensive or affordable dentures takes a lot of effort. Since dentures aren’t a part of the original Medicare, people have to spend a considerable amount of money in getting the perfect dentures. PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), The Dental Life Network, NAFCC (The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics), etc. provide free or affordable dentures for seniors.