Can A Denture Restore Chewing Function?

Have you lost teeth and thought that a denture could help you chew again like you used to do in the past?

Many individuals who have lost their teeth experience a significant decline in their ability to chew food. It impacts their quality of life. Fortunately, dentures are a popular solution to restore both aesthetics and function. But how do they help in chewing, and what do you expect from these dental restoration options?

In this blog, we will explore how dental plates restore chewing function and improve overall oral health. 

What Are Dentures?

Before we discuss how partial teeth restore chewing function, let’s define them. Partial teeth are custom-made oral appliances designed to replace missing teeth. There are two types: full and partial dentures. Regardless of the type, these restoration options are designed to fit comfortably in the mouth and contribute to a complete smile makeover. 

How Dental Plates Help Restore The Function Of Chewing?

1. Restoring the Ability to Chew

The main reason most people seek these dental restorations is their ability to chew food again. When teeth are missing, chewing becomes difficult, which can lead to digestive issues as food is not adequately broken down. 

Artificial teeth help restore essential function by providing a stable surface for chewing, mimicking the role of natural teeth. They allow individuals to enjoy a wide range of foods that they have previously avoided, such as hard meats, crunchy vegetables, and fruits. 

2. Improved Comfort for Eating

Dental plates are designed to fit comfortably against the gums, allowing you to chew efficiently and without discomfort. It takes some time to get used to the feeling of the new dental plate in your mouth. 

However, once they adjust, eating becomes easier and more enjoyable. Modern dental plates are crafted to look and feel natural, enhancing meal comfort.

3. Preserve Jaw Health

When teeth are lost, the jawbone may start to deteriorate, leading to a shrinkage of the bone structure. In this case, dental plates help prevent damage by stimulating the gums and jaws, mimicking the action of natural teeth. 

Although these restorations do not stimulate the jaw like natural teeth, they offer some support to preserve the jaw’s health and prevent bone loss. 

4. Improved Speech and Confidence

Dentures not only aid in chewing but also help maintain facial structure and support speech. Missing teeth make it difficult to pronounce some words clearly, but artificial teeth help restore the natural form of the mouth, making it easy to speak with confidence. 

5. Support for Proper Biting Force

One common challenge after tooth loss is the lack of support for biting and chewing. It can affect the way you eat. They struggle to bite down on food without proper support from teeth, muscles, and the jaw. 

The dental plates provide a necessary biting surface to distribute the force evenly. It helps reduce the strain on surrounding teeth and offers a more balanced bite. 

Dentures are an excellent option for individuals who have lost teeth and want to restore chewing function. They help with efficient chewing, improve comfort, support biting force, and maintain jaw health. 

If you are considering artificial teeth to restore your chewing function, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation. At Arbor Oaks Dental, we offer high-quality, comfortable solutions tailored to meet your individual needs. 

Tips for Chewing with Dentures

Getting used to eating with new dentures takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, and remember that the transition can take time. Let us check the following tips given by our Austin dental experts at Arbor Oaks Dental to help chewing become easier with dentures – 

• Start with Soft Foods: In the initial days and weeks, prioritize soft foods that require minimal chewing. Think yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, cooked vegetables, and soups. This allows your gums and mouth muscles to adapt to the dentures without excessive strain.
• Cut Food into Small Pieces: Regardless of the food’s texture, cutting it into smaller, manageable pieces reduces the amount of pressure needed for chewing. This also helps prevent the dentures from shifting.
• Chew Slowly and Evenly: Distribute your chewing force evenly on both sides of your mouth. This helps to stabilize the dentures and prevents them from tilting or becoming dislodged. Avoid biting down too hard or too quickly, especially on tougher foods.
• Use Both Sides of Your Mouth: Consciously try to chew with both your back teeth simultaneously. This balanced approach is crucial for maintaining denture stability and preventing sore spots. It might feel unnatural at first, but with practice, it will become second nature.
• Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Sticky foods like caramel or taffy can pull on your dentures and make them feel loose. Hard foods like nuts, raw carrots, or tough meats require significant pressure and can also cause discomfort or damage. It’s best to avoid or consume these with extra caution, perhaps cutting them into very small pieces.
• Take Small Bites: Overloading your mouth can make chewing more difficult and increase the risk of your dentures moving. Smaller bites are easier to manage and require less forceful chewing.
• Be Mindful of Temperature: Extremely hot or cold foods can sometimes affect the fit of your dentures or irritate your gums. Allow hot foods to cool slightly before eating.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t get discouraged if you find chewing challenging at first. Consistent practice is key to developing the necessary muscle control and coordination. Try eating different textures of food gradually as you become more comfortable.
• Stay Hydrated: Keeping your mouth moist helps with chewing and swallowing. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dryness can make it harder for your dentures to stay in place and can also affect your ability to taste food.
• Clean Your Dentures Regularly: Food particles trapped under your dentures can cause irritation and affect their fit. Clean your dentures after every meal and soak them overnight as instructed by your denturist or dentist.

Our dentist can provide personalized advice and make necessary adjustments to ensure your dentures fit properly and comfortably. Don’t hesitate to discuss any chewing difficulties you are experiencing.

By following these tips as shared in this blog and being patient with the adjustment period, you’ll be able to eat a wider variety of foods with confidence and comfort.

If you are thinking about getting dentures because you struggle with chewing, you should know which type of denture is suitable for your mouth. There are pros and cons to partial and complete dentures. However, if you still have some natural teeth, partial dentures may provide better chewing function. If you have questions, contact a dentist today.

Call us at 512-379-5021 for an appointment in our Austin office.