Dentures can be very important if you have missing teeth. People have many reasons why they get dentures. If you have missing teeth, dentures can help restore function and aesthetics to your bite and smile. But you may have questions about dentures. Some questions you may have are what dentures are, what dentures are available, and when you may want or need to get dentures. These questions are essential to ask before you consider dentures as an option to replace your missing tooth or teeth. We go through some questions you may ask if you are considering dentures.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a way of replacing missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. They are a removable plate that goes into your mouth to replace one or more missing teeth. Dentures come in three types: complete, partial, and implant-retained overdentures. The denture type you get will depend on what kind you require depending on the extent of your missing teeth.
How Do You Know When It’s Time for Dentures?
There are many signs of when to get dentures. Some signs you need dentures are:
You Need A Tooth Removed
You may need a tooth removed for multiple reasons, including trauma, fracture, toothache due to tooth infection, or bone loss due to infection in the bone around the tooth. Immediate dentures can be made to replace the tooth to be removed at the time of extraction to minimise your time with a gap.
Even though you may look at a more fixed in place option like a bridge or implant to replace the tooth, long-term dentures can also be an excellent interim treatment option.
You Are Not Able to Chew Your Food Properly
Missing teeth, especially multiple teeth missing teeth, may create gaps in your bite that make chewing and eating more difficult. If you find it is hard to eat, it may be that you require dentures.
What Are The Different Types of Dentures?
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is a removable plate with false teeth attached to it to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The dentures you need depend on your oral health and how many teeth you are missing. Removable partial dentures are dental prostheses for those who still have natural teeth that can be used to help hold the denture in place. There are three partial removable denture types:
Cast Metal Partial Dentures
Cast metal partial dentures have a gum-coloured, acrylic base, with false teeth set in it attached to a metal base that is made to fit your mouth. The metal denture base is held in place with clasps and rests that attach to some of the remaining natural teeth
Flexible Partial Denture
These partial dentures are made from a flexible plastic material. These dentures are usually only a temporary solution for missing teeth because the material breaks more easily.
Acrylic Partial Dentures
Acrylic partial dentures are often cheaper than metal dentures but are still a good option for replacing a few missing teeth. These dentures are made of an acrylic base with false teeth set into it. Metal claps are also set into the acrylic to help hold the denture in place. In some cases, these clasps may be made from acrylic also.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are used to replace all the teeth in the arch. They are the optimal choice when you have lost all your upper and/or lower teeth. They are made of a full acrylic base with false teeth set in, so they are lighter weight and made to fit your gums precisely.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures come in different forms with different attachments. They are used when all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw have been lost. These dentures rely on implants rather than your gums to keep them in place. They are still removable to make cleaning easier. They will often be attached to the implants by ball or bar attachments.:
What Are The Benefits of Getting Dentures?
Getting dentures has numerous benefits. Well-fitting dentures can restore your ability to chew and eat comfortably. Your self-esteem and confidence may be improved by replacing broken down or missing teeth, especially front teeth.
Summary
Whether partial, full, or implant-retained, getting dentures can help restore your ability to eat, talk, communicate, and smile. With any option to replace your missing tooth/teeth, speaking with your dentist about the best options for you and your mouth is essential. If you want to know if dentures are an option for you and are ready to explore your dental options, please contact the professionals at Beaches Dental Mona Vale today.
