What are Dentures?
If poor oral health or an unfortunate accident has left you with only a few healthy teeth or none at all, your dentist may recommend dentures to restore your smile.
Dentures are artificial teeth and gums designed to replace missing natural teeth. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and can be matched to your existing natural teeth for a natural look.
Replacing missing teeth is crucial for maintaining long-term oral health. If you are missing some or all of your natural teeth, your dentist can evaluate your situation and determine whether dentures are the right option for you.
Types of Dentures
Whether you need dentures to replace a single missing tooth, several teeth, or an entire jaw, your dentist can help you choose the best option.
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Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. It fills the spaces caused by missing teeth and helps to prevent other teeth from shifting.
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Full Dentures
Full dentures are used when all of the teeth in an upper or lower jaw are missing. A complete set of dentures can take between six to 12 weeks to create after establishing your full dental structure.
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Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures look and feel like natural teeth and can be more comfortable and stable than regular dentures due to their secure fit. They are designed to be long-lasting and allow you to maintain your ability to bite and chew.
Why Dentures May Be Used
Losing all of your natural teeth can lead to sagging facial muscles, which may make you appear older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They are custom-made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much once you have them.
Filling the gaps created by missing teeth is important for your long-term oral health. By fitting you for dentures, your dentist can help ensure that your remaining teeth stay in position, preventing shifts that could lead to complications such as gum disease.
