What are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial tooth replacements that allow patients who are missing teeth to keep their facial profile, eat properly, and speak clearly. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or the entire set of teeth.
Replacing missing teeth is critical to maintaining your oral health. If you are missing all or some of your natural teeth, dentures may be a cost-effective way to replace them.
Types of Dentures
Whether you require dentures to replace a single missing tooth, a row of teeth, or an entire jaw, your dentist can advise you on the best option for you.
- Full Dentures
If you are missing a full jaw of teeth, your dentist will use full dentures, also known as false teeth or complete dentures.
They can be customized to fit your upper or lower gums and are held in place by suction and/or an oral adhesive.
Full dentures can be removed for cleaning and sleeping.
- 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, your dentist will use partial dentures.
Partially dentures are made up of one or more artificial teeth that are held in place by clasps that fit over your natural teeth or a tooth replacement such as a dental crown.
They can be removed for cleaning and sleeping.
- Implant-Supported Dentures
If there is insufficient gum tissue to support full dentures, dental implants may be used to help stabilize the dentures and ensure a secure fit.
Why Dentures May Be Used
When you lose all of your teeth, your facial muscles sag, making you appear older. Dentures can also be used to enhance the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth, so your appearance is not significantly altered.
Filling a gap left by missing teeth is also important for your long-term oral health.
By fitting you for dentures. your dentist will also help protect your remaining teeth from shifting, which can lead to more serious issues like gum disease.