What are dentures?
Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are created by a dentist or denturist and formed to your mouth to replace missing natural teeth. Dentures are custom made to fit snuggly against your gums and matched to any existing teeth you have.
Why do I need dentures?
You might assume that dentures are for older people, but they’re more common than you think. Many people have missing teeth for a number of reasons, from tooth decay to injury.
Replacing missing teeth is essential to your oral health. If you are missing all or some of your natural teeth, dentures can be a comfortable, cost-effective way to restore your smile and regain your self-confidence. Dentures can also restore your bite function, help you speak more easily, and help prevent existing teeth from shifting out of place.
Some concerns that people have about dentures include if they will restrict your diet, hurt, or suddenly slip out while you are talking. But with the right type of dentures and the help of your dentist or denturist, you should be no cause for concern.
What types of dentures are there?
Modern dentures look very natural, and function much like natural healthy teeth. Whether you need dentures to replace one missing tooth, a row of teeth, or a whole jaw, your dentist can help you decide on the right option for you.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are often used when more than one or two teeth are missing, or when surrounding natural teeth aren't strong enough to support other tooth replacement options like dental bridges. The partial dentures are fitted to the gum line and fasten to nearby natural teeth to keep them from falling out of place. They are not permanently attached so that they can be easily removed for cleaning and sleeping.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are used to replace all of your natural teeth. They are custom-fitted to your upper or lower gums, or both, and held in place by suction and/or the help of an oral adhesive. Just like partial dentures, they are easily removable for cleaning and sleep.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are anchored by dental implants. They are made up of a dental implant, a titanium post, and a custom crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
It’s more common to use implant-support dentures on the lower jaw since the upper has fewer problems with fitting securely, but many patients have implants on both.
How do I care for dentures?
Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be cleaned every day. Without the proper care, plaque and tartar can build up on your dentures and cause stains, bad breath, and problems with your gums. Plaque from your dentures can also spread to your natural teeth and gums, causing issues like gum disease and cavities.