Dentures have long been one of the most popular methods of tooth replacement available, but using an old-fashioned, removable prosthetic isn’t necessarily the best way to restore your smile. Though they look and feel like real teeth, there are still many things dentures can’t do that other replacement options can. Here’s how your denture can affect your nutrition, and what you can do to improve it.
How Do Dentures Affect Nutrition?
Though your dentures work like your real teeth once did, allowing you to chew a variety of foods, they simply cannot fully emulate the biteforce of your natural teeth. In fact, a full denture only provides between 20 and 25 percent of your original biteforce, meaning that there’s simply no way to enjoy a full diet when you wear dentures. This is especially concerning when you consider that many healthy foods are tougher in texture, like fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. This, in turn, can negatively affect your nutrition, making it harder to stay healthy and increasing your risk of malnourishment.
Denture Alternatives
The good news is that when it comes to restoring your smile, dentures are no longer the only game in town. Beautiful, durable solutions like dental bridges, dental implants, and even implant dentures are now available to help replace lost teeth and provide greater biteforce, so you can once again enjoy a full, healthy diet.
Implant dentures can be placed with four to six dental implant posts and can secure your denture to your jaw securely enough to expand your dietary options. In fact, they are even available in removable and non-removable options, for those who are tired of removing their prosthetic to clean and soak it repeatedly throughout the day.
Do I Qualify for Implant Dentures?
While each patient is different, qualifying for implant dentures is relatively easy. You will need adequate jawbone density, or a preliminary treatment to improve this. You will also have to be willing to care for your teeth and gums properly and quit smoking (at least temporarily) during the treatment process. Finally, be aware that your jawbone density may affect the type of dental implant you can receive. For some patients with poor bone strength, you may need to stick with a shorter implant post and a removable prosthetic. Your dentist will discuss your options at your dental implant consultation.
Remember, while dentures do make it easier to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods, replacing your teeth with dental implants or implant dentures can improve your biteforce and increase your ability to eat a full, healthy diet, so speak to your dentist about your options today!
About Dr. Papageorgiou
Dr. Christina Papageorgiou earned her dental doctorate at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and her General Practice Residency at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Today, she expands her vast dental knowledge by regularly attending classes through Spear Education and the Pankey Institute. She is also a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Metropolitan District Dental Society, and the Massachusetts Dental Society. To schedule an appointment for dentures or to learn more about implant dentures, please visit our website or call us today at 508-545-1126.