Dentures
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are custom-made to fit your mouth, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for your missing teeth. Dentures can be used to replace a few missing teeth (partial dentures) or a full arch of missing teeth (complete dentures).
Why are Dentures Used?
Restoring Function:
Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew certain foods and speak clearly. Dentures provide the necessary support and biting surface to restore your ability to eat a wide variety of foods and articulate your words effectively.
Enhancing Appearance:
Tooth loss can lead to changes in facial structure and a sunken-in appearance. Dentures help fill out the facial contours, providing support to the lips and cheeks and restoring a more youthful and natural appearance.
Boosting Confidence:
Missing teeth can significantly impact self-confidence and hinder social interactions. Dentures can give you the confidence to smile, laugh, and engage in social activities without feeling self-conscious about your teeth.
Types of Dentures
Partial Dentures:
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth are still present in the dental arch. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base, which is supported by a metal framework or clasps that anchor onto the remaining natural teeth.
Complete Dentures:
Complete dentures are used when all teeth in a dental arch are missing. They comprise a full set of replacement teeth set on a gum-colored acrylic base, which rests directly on the gums and underlying bone. Complete dentures can be further classified as conventional dentures (placed after the gums have healed) or immediate dentures (placed immediately after tooth extraction).
Implant-Supported Dentures:
Implant-supported dentures provide excellent stability and enhanced chewing efficiency. They are securely attached to dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone, providing a more permanent and lifelike tooth replacement option.
Advantages of Dentures
Improved Chewing Ability:
Dentures restore the chewing function, allowing you to enjoy a wider range of foods and maintain a balanced diet for optimal nutrition and overall health.
Enhanced Speech:
Missing teeth can affect your ability to pronounce certain sounds correctly. Dentures provide the necessary support to help improve speech clarity and articulation.
Restored Facial Aesthetics:
Dentures help fill out the facial contours, providing support to the lips and cheeks, and preventing a sunken-in appearance that can occur with tooth loss. This results in a more youthful and attractive facial profile.