What Is the Best Type of Dentures for You? A Closer Look
In the United States, more than ten percent of adults over fifty have no remaining natural teeth. And, even most younger adults have at least a couple of missing teeth.
Unfortunately, having gaps in your smile can lead to oral issues, loss of jawbone, changes in face shape, and even difficulty chewing. Moreover, many people feel self-conscious about their smiles due to missing teeth.
Thankfully, the right type of dentures can restore your smile, oral health, and confidence. But, what are the best dentures? In this post, we’ll help you answer that question after considering the pros and cons of different types of dentures, so keep reading to learn more!
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are false teeth that serve as replacements for missing teeth. They are ideal for people who lost teeth due to decay, gum disease, or an injury since they make it easier to eat and speak.
Of course, there are different types of dentures to meet the needs of patients. Some replace just a few teeth, and others, the entire set.
Removable Dentures
Complete dentures are an ideal solution for people with no remaining teeth since they replace them all. Meanwhile, removable partial dentures replace a few missing teeth.
Removable dentures are custom-made for each patient, meaning that they fit the shape of their mouth and look natural. Other advantages of removable dentures include:
- Improved ability to chew and speak
- Renewed self-esteem
- Last about ten years
- Cost-effective
Nevertheless, removable dentures are not the best solution for missing teeth, as there are a lot of drawbacks to them, such as:
- Slipping and instability when chewing
- Lisp due to the thickness of dentures
- Requires regular maintenance and cleaning
Thus, dentists will often recommend other restorations, resorting to dentures when these are ineffective or impossible.
Fixed Partial Dentures
When patients are missing more than one tooth in a row and have some healthy teeth remaining, fixed partial dentures are a great restoration option.
These implant-supported dentures use existing teeth and a couple of dental implants to support them. So, patients can’t remove them. However, they offer a lot more stability and are much stronger than removable dentures.
They also benefit patients in other ways, such as:
- Better aesthetics
- Improved bite and tooth positioning
- Preservation of the facial structure
Of course, patients should consider that replacing surrounding teeth with abutments is irreversible. So, if you are considering a fixed partial denture, be sure to choose a reputable dentist who can help you decide whether it’s right for you.
Overdentures
Overdentures are removable but offer more support than traditional dentures since they click into abutments or a metal bar. Sometimes they replace an entire set of teeth, and other times, just a few missing teeth. Either way, they offer these advantages:
- Increased stability
- Improved chewing
- Support the jaw and prevent bone loss
- Aesthetically pleasing
However, patients need to remove their overdentures for cleaning, which some people may find a hassle. Other cons of overdentures include the elevated price and surgery required to place the abutments or metal bar. But, if you’d like to know more, read more information on summitoralsurgerymt.com!
Get Help Finding the Right Type of Dentures!
If you are missing teeth, you don’t have to feel self-conscious or struggle to chew any longer. Instead, schedule an appointment with your dentist, who will help you choose the best type of dentures for restoring your beautiful smile!
And, if you would like to learn more dental and health tips, browse more content on our blog!