Dentures : Everything Explained

Dentures are also called false teeth. These are dental appliances constructed for the replacement of missing teeth. Being made of artificial or prosthetic teeth attached to supporting structures, they are removable. They are the most cost-effective options when compared with bridges and dental implants.

What are the Benefits?

These are the most important benefits that will accrue from dentures:

• Cosmetic Benefits: They replace your missing teeth and, in doing so, prevent shifting of the remaining teeth that would disorient your facial structure. Dentures give your mouth and cheeks their original definition and restore your beautiful smile.

• Functional Benefits: They allow the maximization of your oral function. Dentures are also associated with better communication quality, and speech.

• Affordable Price: Compared to all the other tooth replacement options, dentures are the most affordable.

Denture Types

There exist a variety of dentures. Your choice of them depends on the existence of natural teeth to offer them support.

• Complete Dentures: If you need a replacement for all your teeth, opt for full dentures. Contrary to dental bridges that are supported by existing teeth, these ones are positioned on the top of gums. They are typically placed eight to twelve weeks after tooth extraction.

• Partial Dentures: If you a few or several natural teeth left, partial dentures are the most suitable. The denture is held by some metal pieces and a pink base. You can be able to remove them whenever it is convenient or you. These dentures are made of acrylic or all-acrylic and prevent teeth movement.

• Custom Dentures: Teeth that are more expensive are used to make custom dentures. The result is a smile that looks more natural. Before completion, the denture can be seen. It is customized to suit your smile.

• Immediate Dentures: On the day of tooth extraction, your dentist will place them.

• Implant-Supported: With this type of dentures, dental implants are used in supporting the denture.

• Snap-in Dentures: if stability is what you are after, this is your best option. Anchors or dental implants hold them to existing teeth. Locator attachments inside the denture tissues are the unique characteristics of these dentures.

• Overdentures: They are placed on the top of gums. Dental implants are used to hold them in place. Depending on the patient’s needs, they can be placed either on the upper or lower jaw or on both. They are removable too.

• Upper Dentures: As the name suggests, they are meant to be placed on the teeth of the upper jaw. If your upper jaw teeth are missing, this is the solution.

• Economy Dentures: They are generic, meaning they do not comfortably or securely fit inside your mouth. Also, people will quickly notice they are fake.

Other Classifications

When grouped according to the materials used in making them, there are metal, plastic, porcelain, acrylic, or ceramic dentures.

What are their Disadvantages?

Some of the drawbacks associated with dentures include:

• Discomfort and failure to fit when used for the first time
• They are susceptible to oral sores and irritation caused by chewing, stuck food particles, and clenching.
• Difficulty in eating or chewing certain foods, especially those that are sticky or crunchy.
• Inconvenient cleaning and maintenance; Dentures require regular removal and cleaning.
• Discomfort while speaking or pronouncing certain words

Alternatives to Dentures

Some of the stable and more comfortable alternatives include:

• Dental Implants: These are permanent dentures that, just like your natural teeth, integrate with underlying bones.

• Dental Bridges: They consist of 1-3 prosthetic teeth that are supported by natural teeth using plastic and metal connectors.

When should you get Dentures?

Soon after losing your permanent teeth, you should immediately call your dentist for treatment solutions. This is especially important if the loss of a tooth may impair your social and emotional well-being. When left unattended, tooth loss can change your bite and the overall appearance of your teeth. Your dentist may give you tooth restoration advice and then recommend you visit a specialist like an endodontist or orthodontist depending on how severe your case is.

Dental implants provided by Maple Tree Dental

By now, you must be aware of the several dentures available and which one will suit your needs. You must also be knowing the denture that will give you the most benefits. At Maple Tree Dental, we provide both permanent dentures and partial dentures in Easton, PA. If you are around Easton and are looking to have your dentures fixed near you, give us a call and book an appointment.