Dentures are the most effective way to replace a series of missing teeth. Although this tooth replacement option has received a bad rap over the years, due to the discomfort and unnatural appearance that was a hallmark of the appliance in the past, new advances in technology and treatment methods make them a comfortable and viable option for individuals that need to replace multiple teeth.
Restoration Procedure Options
If you are considering this type of restoration procedure, the first thing you need to understand is what options are available to you. Knowing about each will make it easier for you to determine which choice best meets your needs.
The first difference relates to how many teeth you need to replace. If you are looking for an option that will replace all teeth on either the upper or lower jaw, you will need a full denture. However, if you only need to replace a shorter span of teeth, for example, one side of your upper teeth or a few teeth that are situated between existing healthy teeth, then you will only need to consider a partial appliance, which will take the place of as few or as many teeth as necessary.
Aside from determining if you need a full or partial denture, which is an easy choice determined simply by whether you have any existing teeth in your mouth on either the upper or lower jaw where the appliance will go, the other primary choice you will need to make is whether you want your false teeth to reside permanently in your mouth or whether you prefer to remove them anytime you want.
There are pros and cons to each option and only you can decide which choice is best for you. If you want to feel like your teeth are as comfortable and natural as real teeth, then you can have the apparatus permanently secured in your mouth by attaching it to a series of dental implants that are placed in your jawbone at specific locations in order to be able to provide the needed support for the entire span of teeth. This provides you with enhanced aesthetics, more comfort and makes eating and speaking as normal and natural as if you had nothing “artificial” in your mouth, once your gums and bone have fully healed and you get used to your new teeth.
In contrast to implant-supported dentures, you may instead prefer to remove your appliance each night or anytime you desire, as is the case with removable dentures. With this option, your appliance is created specifically to fit in your mouth and is secured each day with adhesive. This can take some getting used to, although modern day versions are more comfortable and more natural-looking than the awkward, obviously false look of the teeth you may remember your grandparents wearing. This option is less expensive and requires no surgical procedure to implant posts into your jawbone, but you may need to periodically have the appliance relined or rebased to ensure proper fit and may also experience some limitations as to what you can eat.
If you are considering dentures and are not sure which type is right for you, the best thing to do is to discuss the pros and cons with your dentist. He or she can help you select the option that will best fit your needs.
For more information about dentures, contact Park Dental Care in Queens at 718-274-1515.
