What are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial tooth replacements that can be used to replace one, many, or a full mouth of missing teeth. Dentures also allow patients to maintain their facial profile, as well as eat and speak properly.
It is essential to your oral health to replace missing teeth. If you are missing all or some of your natural teeth, dentures may be an affective option for replacing them.
Types of Dentures
Whether you need dentures to replace one missing tooth, a row of teeth, or a whole jaw, your dentist can help you decide on the right option for you.
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Full Dentures
Full dentures, commonly referred to as false teeth or complete dentures, are used if you are missing a whole jaw of teeth.
You can have them fitted for your upper or lower gums, and they are held in place by suction and/or with the help of an oral adhesive.
Full dentures can be removed for cleaning and sleeping.
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Implant-Supported Dentures
If there is not enough gum tissue to support full dentures, dental implants may be used to help stabilize the dentures for a secure fit.
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Partial Dentures
Your dentist will use partial dentures if you are missing more than a few teeth or if your surrounding teeth are not strong enough to support a dental bridge.
Partial dentures are made up of one or more artificial teeth held in place by clasps that fit onto your natural teeth or a tooth replacement like a dental crown.
They can be removed for cleaning and sleeping.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Filling in a gap caused by missing teeth is crucial to your long-term oral health. By fitting you for dentures, your dentist will help protect your remaining teeth from shifting, which can lead to more serious issues like gum disease.
Additionally, dentures can be beneficial to the overall aesthetics of your face. If you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. In this case. dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can also be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much.