Living with a set of artificial teeth may be a pleasant change, especially for someone who suffers from tooth loss. The challenges of speaking and eating can take their toll, and smiling can be embarrassing. But once dentures take the place of a vacant arch, it can mean a new lease on life for many individuals. However, as time passes, it may become more apparent that dentures will affect the taste of food, so what can patients do to avoid this problem? Read on to find out.
Why Do Dentures Make It Harder to Taste Food?
There are several reasons why the taste of food is harder to detect while wearing dentures. If you’re missing an entire arch of upper teeth, your prosthetic will likely cover your palate – a key component of being able to taste certain foods.
While you may be able to enjoy certain aspects of a particular meal (i.e., stronger herbs, sauces), the actual food itself may not be as pleasant as it was before.
Other factors such as the use of denture adhesive can alter the flavor of food, and neglecting ill-fitting dentures will only cause you to use more of this product. You’ll also want to make sure you’re keeping your dentures clean, as bacterial accumulations can create problems with being able to taste food.
Is There an Alternative to Dentures?
Yes, you can opt to transition to dental implants if you no longer want to deal with dentures. Instead of having to use adhesives to keep your teeth in place, you can enjoy the fact that titanium implant posts fuse with your bone tissues so that your new smile remains in place.
Eating is a breeze once you are accustomed to your new teeth, as you no longer need to worry about them slipping out of place. Not to mention, you’ll be able to eat and taste all your favorite foods. The reason is that there is nothing to block your palate, nor will you require adhesives to hold your teeth in place.
Although the process is more laborsome, and the time it takes to receive dental implants is longer than with dentures, the results are often worth it.
Whether you choose to stick with dentures or switch to dental implants, there are steps you can take to start enjoying the foods you eat once again. Talk to your dentist about your options and start living your best life one meal at a time.
About Grand Dental – Sycamore
At Grand Dental – Sycamore, we never want our patients to be disappointed with their tooth replacements. Whether it is dentures or dental implants, we aim to deliver high-quality results that allow for an improved quality of life. If you are struggling to enjoy eating certain foods, visit our website to find out how we can help.