What are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial tooth replacements that allow patients with missing teeth to maintain their facial profile, eat properly and speak well. They can be used to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth or all of them.
Replacing missing teeth is essential to your oral health because gaps in your smile can lead to misalignment and oral hygiene issues. If you are missing all or some of your natural teeth, dentures may be an affordable 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
Your dentist will use full dentures, commonly referred to as false teeth or complete dentures, 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 while you sleep.
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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 while you sleep.
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Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures look and feel like natural teeth and can be more comfortable and stable than regular dentures due to their secure fit. They are designed to be long-lasting and allow you to maintain your ability to bite and chew.
Why Dentures May Be Used
If you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can also help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much.
Additionally, filling gaps left by missing teeth is crucial to your long-term oral health. By providing you with dentures, your dentist also protects your remaining teeth from shifting, which could lead to more serious problems like gum disease.