When you were a kid did your grandparents wear dentures? Did you think when you reached their age that you would need dentures too? Now-a-days people are keeping their original teeth longer. They take better care of them, many water supplies are fluoridated which helps reduce cavities, and there are treatments for periodontal disease which is the major reason for tooth loss. These are some reasons that people may never need dentures. However, if you do need dentures what type of dentures should you get? Do you need full dentures or partial dentures? Are you even going to like dentures? Would you rather have implants? Read on to help solve your denture dilemma.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a removable prosthetic appliance made of a pink acrylic-resin base (the gum) and false teeth. They are the most common treatment for people who have lost all or most of their teeth. People need to replace their teeth so they can eat healthy and speak properly. Dentures also can prevent your facial muscles from sagging and making your face look sunken in, which can give you an aged look.
Types of Dentures
There are full and partial dentures. Full dentures are required when a patient is fully edentulous (they have no remaining natural teeth). Partial dentures are used when the patient still has some natural teeth remaining. Partial dentures use the natural teeth adjacent to the lost teeth as anchors to hold the partial in place.
Removable partial denture: A removable partial denture consists of the gum-colored base which holds the replacement teeth and is held in place by attaching a metal framework to the remaining natural teeth.
Fixed partial dentures: Rather than use a metal framework, a fixed partial denture is fabricated with abutment teeth on either end. The abutment teeth, or crowns, are then permanently bonded to the adjacent natural teeth.
Full dentures: A full denture replaces all your teeth in either the upper or lower arch or both and is held in place via suction and/or denture adhesives.
Advantages of Dentures
- Benefit your appearance and health
- Make it easier to speak and eat
- Restore your smile and confidence
Disadvantages of Dentures
- Must be removed and cleaned regularly
- Discomfort due to slippage
- Can cause bad breath
- Improperly fitting dentures can make it difficult to eat and speak
ABOUT YOUR GARLAND DENTIST:
Dr. Vi Mai and the caring staff at Mai Dentistry are dedicated to ensuring that our patients are proud of their beautiful, healthy smiles. With years of experience in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, we can expertly diagnose and treat early dental trouble to preserve your natural tooth structure. To learn more, or to schedule your next appointment, call us today at (972) 530-0552.
