What Are Dentures? A Complete Overview of Tooth Replacement Options
Dentures have been a cornerstone of dental prosthetics for centuries, providing solutions for individuals who, as a result of injury, illness, or ageing, have lost their teeth.
While the concept of dentures is relatively simple—replacing missing teeth with artificial ones—the types and technology behind them have evolved significantly.
Understanding Dentures
Removable dental devices called dentures replace lost teeth and surrounding tissue.
They are personalised to fit each patient’s mouth, providing a natural appearance and functional bite.
A few lost teeth can be restored using partial dentures, whereas complete dentures replace a full set of missing teeth.
Types of Dentures
- Complete Dentures: These are used when all the teeth are missing. Complete dentures can be further divided into two categories:
- Conventional Dentures are made, sometimes over a few months, after the teeth have been extracted and the gum tissue has started to recover.
- Immediate dentures are prepared beforehand and positioned immediately following a tooth extraction to prevent the patient from going without teeth while their body heals. Adjustments are often needed once the gums heal.
- Partial Dentures are used when there are still some natural teeth. They comprise prosthetic teeth affixed to a pink or gum-coloured plastic base connected by a metal framework or precision attachments holding the mouth’s denture.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: These dentures provide a more stable and snug fit since dental implants support them. They can be used for both complete and partial dentures and offer improved comfort and functionality compared to traditional dentures.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures offer several benefits for those who have lost teeth, including:
- Improved Appearance: Restoration of a natural-looking smile with dentures can increase self-esteem and confidence.
- Enhanced Chewing Ability: By replacing missing teeth, dentures improve the ability to chew food correctly, promoting better digestion and nutrition.
- Clearer Speech: Missing teeth can affect speech. Dentures can help improve pronunciation and clarity.
- Support for Facial Muscles: Dentures support the facial muscles, preventing the sagging and wrinkling that can occur when teeth are missing.
Drawbacks of Dentures
While dentures have many advantages, they also come with some drawbacks:
- Adjustment Period: Getting used to dentures can take time and may involve some initial discomfort and difficulty speaking or eating.
- Maintenance: Dentures must be cleaned regularly to preserve longevity and prevent infections.
- Potential for Slippage: Traditional dentures can sometimes slip or move while eating or speaking, causing embarrassment or discomfort.
- Bone Loss: Without the stimulation of natural teeth or implants, the jawbone can shrink over time, affecting the fit of dentures and leading to the need for adjustments or replacements.
Other Tooth Replacement Options
Although they are a common alternative, dentures are not the only way to replace lost teeth.
Other alternatives include:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are surgical fixtures of titanium attached to the jawbone to support prosthetic teeth. They offer a good base for country or lifter artificial teeth that mimic natural teeth.
Implants are a permanent solution and provide several benefits:
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants are like natural teeth; they appear like teeth, feel like teeth, and can even work like natural teeth.
- Durability: The implants are durable and can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
- Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving facial structure.
- Stability: Unlike traditional dentures, implants do not slip or move, providing superior comfort and confidence.
However, dental implants require sufficient bone density and a healthy oral environment, and they can be more expensive and require a longer treatment time than other options.
Dental Bridges
A fixed appliance known as a dental bridge attaches to nearby natural teeth or dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth.
There are several types of bridges:
- Traditional Bridges: Made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics, traditional bridges involve creating crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth (pontic) in between.
- Cantilever Bridges: Used when teeth are on the single side of the tooth or teeth that are missing.
- Maryland Bridges: Often referred to as resin-bonded bridges, these involve bonding a metal or porcelain framework to the rear of neighbouring teeth.
Although they may need to modify good teeth and not treat underlying bone loss, dental bridges can restore function and appearance.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges combine the benefits of dental implants and bridges when multiple teeth are missing. These bridges are anchored by implants rather than natural teeth, enhancing stability and preserving the jawbone.
Choosing the Right Option
Deciding on the best tooth replacement option involves considering several factors, including:
- Number of Missing Teeth: The extent of tooth loss will influence whether dentures, implants, or bridges are the most suitable solution.
- Oral Health: Your gums and jawbone condition will affect your eligibility for specific treatments, especially dental implants.
- Budget: Cost is essential, as dental implants are more expensive than dentures or bridges.
- Lifestyle: Your daily habits and preferences, such as diet and activity level, can impact the suitability of different options.
The best treatment strategy for your needs and goals will only be determined after speaking with a dental practitioner.
Dentures remain a popular and effective solution for many people who have lost their teeth.
They offer a way to improve appearance, restore functionality, and support oral health. However, they are not the only option.
Dental implants, fixed bridges, removable partial dentures, and resin-bonded bridges each offer unique benefits and can be suitable alternatives depending on your specific situation.
Ultimately, the right choice for tooth replacement is highly individual, depending on your specific circumstances and preferences.
Whether you opt for dentures, implants, or another solution, the key is to restore your oral health and function, ensuring you can enjoy life to the fullest.
Dentures in Applecross
If you’re struggling with missing teeth and looking for the best replacement option, take your time.
At Epsom Dental Care Applecross, we will work closely with you to provide immediate and professional care to help you restore your smile.
Call us at (08) 9316 0555 or book your appointment online.
Visit us at 729 Canning Hwy in Applecross.