Transcript
Did you know that more than 33 million Americans have lost all their upper or lower teeth? Complete or partial tooth loss can make you older than you are, and prevent you from eating or speaking properly.
If time has been unkind to your teeth, the good news is that you have several excellent choices for tooth replacement. The most affordable option is removable dentures. Many people wear dentures, but you wouldn’t necessarily realise it when you see them, thanks to the artistry and skill of dentists and laboratory technicians.
There are three types of removable dentures:
Full dentures, overdentures, and partial dentures.
If you have lost all your teeth, full dentures are the least expensive way to replace them. Other advantages include a more youthful appearance as the face regains support; and a return to more normal eating and speaking. All of which lead to a more positive self-image.
But there are some disadvantages: Dentures will cause gradual bone loss over time due to the pressure they place on the underlying bony ridges. Also, full dentures can be unstable. This is particularly true of the lower denture, which can be moved out of place by the tongue.
Overdentures can be supported by natural teeth or dental implants to provide increased stability, giving you confidence that they will not slip and cause you embarrassment. They also help you to maintain bone volume by redistributing the pressure away from the bony ridges. You may only need two dental implants to retain a lower denture. An upper denture will need at least four implants. Removable partial dentures can be very stable especially when supported by natural teeth on either side of the false teeth, and because they are removable, it’s easy to keep your teeth clean. However, they can shift, allowing food to get beneath them. This movement can also cause the supporting teeth to loosen slightly over time.
All three types of removable dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions of your mouth. If your last remaining teeth need to be removed, an immediate denture can be made so that you are never without teeth. After your mouth has fully healed, final dentures will be made. Your dentist will make sure you’re happy with your appearance and that the fit and bite are correct. Care and maintenance are important. Your dentures need to be relined or adjusted as your jawbone changes over time.
At a minimum, you should see your dentist every six months for a check-up. Also, understand that there is an adjustment period that varies from one person to another. When all is said and done, dentures should be comfortable, functional, and look real, improving your smile and facial appearance along with your self-confidence.
To learn more about removable dentures, make an appointment today.