Have you lost a tooth or several, and since been coping with an incomplete smile? You may already know there are a number of prosthetic options for completing a smile. But how do you know which is right for you? While dental bridges and dental implants have become popular in recent years, dentures remain one of the most common choices. That is because they are made to fit comfortably, and can affordably help with a variety of problems, from a single lost tooth to many missing teeth. Determining if they’re right for you is a combination of assessing your smile’s needs, as well as your goals for seeking prosthetic treatment.
What Makes a Denture Great?
Dentures are one of the oldest forms of prosthetic dentistry, yet they remain one of the most common, as well, because they are still one of the most affordable ways to address tooth loss. Plus, dentures are made to fit comfortably and look natural, because the world doesn’t need to know you’ve lost a tooth!
- Many people think of complete dentures when they hear the term dentures, because they are frequently made to replace an entire arch of teeth, specifically for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth on the upper or lower arch, or both.
- Partial dentures are made of the same material, and similarly designed to match both the teeth and gums. However partial dentures are suitable for addressing the loss of a single tooth, or several.
- While full dentures are generally able to rest comfortably without the need for any adhesives, partial dentures are best when affixed through either a temporary adhesive or a dental bridge or dental implant.
- Your restorative dentist can help discuss all your prosthetic options with you, and help you in determining which is right for you.
- Whatever you choose, just remember that seeking treatment quickly is the best way to preserve your jaw’s alignment and your overall oral health, as lost teeth can have negative affects on many aspects of a smile, not just its appearance.