An infinite amount of people worldwide require the help of artificial teeth, referred to as dentures, to facilitate their daily lives. Dentures 101: Your Go-To Guide on Artificial Teeth serves as a guide to all those seeking to understand the various types of dentures, their benefits, who is eligible to receive them, how to care for them, and alternatives to dentures properly.
For those in need of artificial teeth, this is the ultimate guide.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth, commonly called false teeth. They are typically made of acrylic and consist of artificial teeth set into a plastic base that fits snugly over the gums. Dentures can be partial or complete, depending on the missing teeth.
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain and are held in place by metal clasps or precision attachments. Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw and use the mouth’s soft tissues as support.
Other options for replacing missing teeth include dental implants, bridges, and overdentures. Dental implants consist of titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing and act as anchors for replacement teeth. Bridges use natural teeth as anchors for artificial teeth instead of missing teeth. Overdentures are removable dentures that are held in place by dental implants.
The types of dentures are available depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. Denture teeth are typically made of acrylic, porcelain, or a combination of both and are held in place by an acrylic base. Denture adhesives and cleansers can be used to improve the denture’s fit and keep them clean.
Overall, dentures are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring the natural look of a person’s smile. With proper care and maintenance, dentures can last for many years and help people enjoy the benefits of a healthy, functional smile.
Types of Dentures
Various types of dentures exist that can be used to replace missing teeth. Denture types range from traditional and conventional to partial plates and removable dentures.
- Traditional or Conventional Dentures:
- These dentures are a tried-and-true alternative to natural teeth that are custom-fitted and crafted to resemble existing teeth. These are the traditional type of dentures placed in a patient’s mouth after the natural teeth have been removed, and the gums have healed.
- Partial Plates:
- These dentures replace only a few missing teeth and are held in place with metal clasps attached to the existing teeth.
- Removable Dentures:
- These are dentures that can be taken out and cleaned, and they are often made of acrylic resin or porcelain.
- Porcelain Dentures:
- These dentures are designed to resemble natural teeth and are often held in place with metal clasps that connect to the existing teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dentures:
- These dentures are held in place with implants surgically placed in the jawbone.
- Implant-Retained Denture:
- This type of denture is held in place by two or more implants inserted into the jawbone and used to secure the denture.
No matter which type of denture is chosen, it can be a great alternative to natural teeth and help restore a patient’s smile.
Benefits of Wearing Dentures
Wearing dentures can provide a number of potential benefits. These include restoring the appearance of a natural smile, improving chewing and speaking abilities, and supporting the facial muscles. Permanent dentures, such as those made from cobalt chrome, can be a great long-term solution for those seeking a more permanent solution.
On the other hand, upper dentures can be removed for daily brushing and cleaning. Acrylic resin teeth, porcelain teeth, and other materials are used for modern dentures, providing a more realistic look and feel. Dentures can also help prevent bone loss in the jaw, as they act as a frame and support the surrounding teeth and gums.
Flexible dentures can be more comfortable for those with sensitive gums than traditional dentures. Dentures can provide many benefits, including improved confidence and self-esteem with proper care and maintenance.
Who Can Get Dentures?
Individuals missing teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease, trauma, or other reasons may be candidates for dentures. A qualified healthcare provider should be consulted for an individualized treatment plan to determine if an individual is a suitable candidate for dentures.
The plan should include:
- Ensuring the dentures are properly fitted and kept comfortable with hot water, as well as selecting the appropriate denture materials.
- Allowing the individual a period of time to adjust to the denture and learning how to keep them clean to avoid food deposits.
- Encouraging the individual to stick to soft foods initially and gently brushing the dentures with a soft-bristled brush to protect the gum tissue.
The healthcare provider should also discuss other oral health topics, such as proper oral hygiene, to ensure the individual receives the best care.
With the right knowledge and care, dentures can benefit an individual’s oral health.
Caring for Dentures
Caring for dentures properly is essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of prosthetic teeth. Proper care of dentures should begin with daily cleaning of the denture base and the teeth. It is important to use a denture brush and a denture cleaner to remove food particles and bacteria from the denture. In addition, denture fixative is a good alternative to bridges and implants and can help keep dentures in place. After cleaning, the dentures should be left to soak in a water basin or a denture cleaner.
It is also important to adjust dentures as needed, as ill-fitting dentures can cause sores and discomfort. The denture frameworks should also be checked to make sure that the dentures are not damaged or worn. A professional should do regular denture adjustments to ensure the best fit and most comfortable dentures.
Alternatives to Dentures
Several options are available for those seeking alternatives to dentures, including dental bridges and implants. Professional advice should be sought from a qualified dentist to determine the best possible treatment for one’s individual needs. Dental treatment is highly individualized and often involves a combination of different options. Modern dentistry offers many options to suit an individual’s oral health needs. The coverage may include some of the alternative treatments available for those with dental insurance.
Dental bridges may be an option for individuals with missing teeth. The bridge involves using animal teeth or metal posts, like nickel chrome or stainless steel, to fill the gaps in one’s smile. Implants are another alternative that uses posts to fill the gaps. The posts are surgically implanted into the jaw, and permanent restorations are placed on top. Partial dentures are also an option for individuals with missing teeth. They are removable and replaced periodically as needed.
Key Takeaways
Dentures are a viable solution for those seeking to replace missing or broken teeth. Not only do they help restore the look and feel of natural teeth, but they also provide many other benefits that can be enjoyed for many years to come. Those considering dentures should speak to a dental professional to determine if they fit their needs well.
Dentures can be a life-changing investment that will stand the test of time with proper care. To sum up, dentures are still a viable option for replacing missing teeth in the 21st century, offering a multitude of advantages that make them a timeless choice.
For those in Mt Eden, Auckland considering dentures, look no further than Flash Dental. Our team of experienced dentists in Mt Eden can assess your needs and fit you with the best possible solution to restore your smile. With our help, you can enjoy the many benefits of dentures and the confidence of a bright, beautiful smile. Contact us today to learn more about how dentures can help you!
