by Dentures are a popular treatment option for replacing missing teeth. Made of plastic resin and often metal, dentures provide an affordable solution for restoring smiles and functionality to one’s mouth and bite. This article will explore dentures in more depth, covering the different types available, how they work, and benefits they can provide.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable replacement teeth that are secured to the gums and jaw to mimic a natural set of teeth. They are crafted by a dental professional to fit precisely into one’s mouth after natural teeth have been extracted or are missing. There are two main types of dentures available – partial dentures and full dentures.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth still remain in the mouth. They are removable plates that replace missing teeth and are held in place by being anchored to crowns, implants, or the patient’s remaining natural teeth. Partial dentures help maintain function and speech while reducing further bone and gum deterioration that occurs without teeth. They allow patients to keep using the natural teeth they still have.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are used when all natural teeth have been extracted from the upper or lower jaw. These dentures are entire replacement teeth that fit snugly over the gums. Upper full dentures are called “complete maxillary dentures” while lower full dentures are called “mandibular complete dentures.” Full dentures provide an overall set of replacement teeth to restore chewing ability as well as aesthetics.
How Dentures Work
Dentures rely on suction, pressure, and a good fit to stay securely in place within the mouth. When talking, eating or other activities, muscles in the mouth and tongue help keep dentures from slipping. Some adhesives can also be used underneath dentures for extra hold.
During denture fabrication, dental impressions and jawbone measurements are used to precisely craft dentures custom-made for each individual patient’s unique mouth and bite. Retirement after extraction allows any residual socket shrinkage, allowing dentures to fit more snugly over gums. Regular adjustments may be needed initially as gums heal.
Benefits of Dentures
– Improve aesthetics and confidence with a natural-looking smile
– Restore chewing ability for eating a normal diet
– Maintain proper bite and alignment of the jaw joint
– Support facial muscles and prevent sunken cheek appearances
– Preserve bone density in jawbones that would otherwise resorb without teeth
– Allow for speech to improve after recovery from extractions
– Low-cost solution compared to dental implants
Caring for Dentures
Proper home care is needed for Dentures to last. Patients should soak dentures in denture cleanser or water and brush them daily with a denture brush or toothbrush. It’s also important to remove dentures at night to allow gums a chance to rest.
Using denture adhesive can provide extra retention, especially during initial adjustment periods. Patients should visit their dentist regularly for relines or repairs as gums or denture needs change over time. With proper care, dentures can last several years and maintain oral health.
Alternative Treatment Options
For those wanting something more permanent than removable plates, dental implants may be an option to consider. Implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone. Then, implant crowns, bridges or dentures are attached to provide a secure, natural alternative to dentures.
However, implants do require multiple dental visits, have higher long-term costs, and don’t always provide enough retention for a full arch solution like dentures can. They also rely on having adequate bone to support the implants. For many patients looking for an affordable solution, dentures are an excellent choice that can restore function and smiles.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
