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Losing teeth can affect your ability to chew, speak, and smile, but modern dentistry offers effective solutions. Dentures are a practical option for replacing missing teeth, helping to restore both function and appearance. Here is more information on dentures, their benefits, and how to determine the right choice for your specific needs:
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues, and they are custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth. Fabricated from materials such as acrylic, they mimic the look and function of natural teeth. They are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity, which makes a proper fit necessary for comfort.
These prosthetic devices serve both aesthetic and functional purposes by filling out the facial structure and enabling proper chewing. Whether you are missing a few teeth or all of them, there is a denture solution available. The process involves taking impressions of your mouth to create a model, which the dental laboratory uses to construct your final dentures.
What Are the Different Types?
Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw, and they consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. This base is connected by a metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partials fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, and they also prevent other teeth from changing position.
Complete dentures are used when all of a patient’s teeth are missing. They consist of artificial teeth set into a base made of plastic or acrylic that mimics gum tissue. This base rests on top of the patient’s natural gum tissue. This option restores chewing and speaking ability, and it helps patients smile more comfortably.
Implant-supported dentures are a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to dental implants. A regular denture rests on the gums, whereas an implant-supported denture has attachments that snap onto the implants. This provides enhanced stability, and it requires a surgical procedure to place the implants.
What Are the Benefits?
Dentures offer numerous benefits that help improve your quality of life, ranging from functional improvements to cosmetic enhancements. They restore the ability to chew a variety of foods, which can improve nutrition. They support facial muscles, helping prevent the sagging appearance that can result from tooth loss. By replacing missing teeth, dentures also improve speech clarity, which may be affected by gaps in the dental arch.
Which Is Right for You?
Determining the right type of denture depends on the number of teeth you need to replace and your overall oral health. A consultation with your dentist will involve a thorough examination of your mouth, and they will discuss your options with you. Your lifestyle and personal preferences will also be taken into account during this process.
If you have some healthy, natural teeth remaining, a partial denture may be the appropriate choice, as it will use your existing teeth for support. If you are missing all your teeth, a complete denture will be necessary. For those seeking enhanced stability, implant-supported dentures offer a secure fit.
Consult a Dentist Today
Choosing the right dentures can improve your daily life, and understanding your options is the first step. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your needs and receive a personalized recommendation. They can guide you through the process and help you select the dentures that will restore your smile and improve your oral function.
