It’s unlikely that you have never seen or heard of dentures previously. Whether you know someone with dentures or are considering them for yourself, they are abundant in modern society. Though frequently associated with the elderly, dentures are often used by younger people who have suffered tooth loss and are looking to regain a full set of teeth.
Dentures have a long and interesting history, with the first evidence of false teeth being seen as early as the 7th century BC made from animal and human teeth. That said, modern dentures have come a long way and developed and improved since their primitive ancestors, often looking so natural, you’d never know they were false teeth.
At The Dental Lounge, we take pride in honing our expertise in all facets of cosmetic dentistry, including teeth replacement solutions like dentures.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are specially made to fit comfortably in your mouth, looking and functioning like natural teeth. Though previously made from porcelain or plastic, modern dentures tend to be made from resin which is lightweight and easy to wear.
Dentures are worn by people who are missing natural teeth (the number of teeth missing can vary, some people missing a few while others have lost all of their natural teeth). People can be missing teeth for several reasons:
- Trauma or injury
- Tooth decay
- Periodontal disease
- Genetic disorders such as ectodermal dysplasia
- Erosion due to conditions like gastrointestinal reflux
Dentures can help aesthetically by making it look as though your natural teeth are still present, but they have other benefits too:
- Improve chewing efficiency
- Improve speech and pronunciation
- Provide support to facial tissue, giving a more youthful appearance and eliminating gauntness
- Boosting self-esteem
- Preventing further damage to remaining teeth which overcompensate for missing teeth
Types of Dentures
These days, you are almost never saddled with just one option for anything, including dentures. Depending on your needs, preferences, and budget, there are different dentures to suit each individual.
Some dentists offer multiple types of dentures while others prefer to specialize in just one, so it is important to do your research and consult with your dentist before making any decisions. If you are unsure which option is best for you, your dentist should be able to help guide you.
There are three main types of dentures: Full dentures, partial dentures, and immediate dentures.
Full Dentures
When people picture dentures, they are most likely picturing the full or complete dentures we are most familiar with. These are the complete set of teeth and gums that are typically held in place by suction and/or special denture adhesive.
Full dentures can be worn on the top or bottom row of teeth, or both when necessary. They are made to fit your mouth comfortably, but can only be worn once your remaining natural teeth have been extracted and the gums have had time to heal.
Full dentures are the best option for anyone who has lost all of their teeth, restoring a full smile and all of the benefits and abilities of natural teeth including chewing, speech, and facial tissue support.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures or bridges are used when there are enough remaining healthy natural teeth to support them. Replacement teeth are attached to a gum-colored base which is typically made of plastic. Often, there is a metal framework or clasps that hold the denture in place.
Partial dentures fill the spaces left when there are teeth missing. This offers not only aesthetic benefits but can also help prevent the remaining teeth from shifting or changing position. They can also improve the ability to chew and prevent further damage to the remaining teeth caused by working too hard to compensate for the teeth that are missing.
Partial dentures are made to look very realistic and blend into your natural teeth. When wearing a correctly fitting, well-made partial denture, there is no reason to be concerned that anyone would know you had false teeth at all.
Immediate Dentures
Sometimes, people are concerned by the amount of time they will be without teeth while waiting for the gums to heal after teeth have been extracted. The healing time can take several months, during which time you will obviously have no teeth. This can bring not only practical issues such as speech or chewing difficulties but can take a serious toll on self-confidence. Many people feel embarrassed by a few missing teeth, so having none at all can negatively affect their mental health.
Immediate dentures deal with this concern as they allow you to replace the missing teeth right away. Immediate dentures can be made as both full and partial dentures, and can actually act as a bandage protecting the gums following tooth extractions, reducing inflammation and bleeding.
Due to the fact that gums are likely to shrink and change shape as they heal following tooth extractions, there is the requirement for multiple visits to the dentist. These visits are necessary in order to adjust the immediate dentures to ensure the best fit as your gums heal over time.
Looking For Great Quality Dentures? Visit The Dental Lounge
At The Dental Lounge, we are experts in the field of cosmetic dentistry and offer several options when it comes to tooth restoration. We provide our patients with the best quality products. When it comes to dentures, our world-class dentists work with a state-of-the-art dental laboratory to ensure that your dentures are a great fit and made to stand the test of time. The Dental Lounge offers easy no credit check payment plans with 0% interest, so there is nothing in the way of you and your smile.
Whether you are looking for a routine check-up or professional tooth restoration, look no further than The Dental Lounge. With our first-class team of empathetic, talented professionals, we take patient care to a new level.
Interested in one of our famous smile makeovers? Get in touch! You are welcome to give us a call at (954) 686 5729 or fill out our convenient online form. We can’t wait to hear from you.
