Finding Dentures That Are Right for You

If you’re missing teeth and suspect you may soon need dentures, you’re not alone. Statistics show that some 120 million people in the U.S. alone are missing at least one tooth, with that number expected to surpass 200 million in the next 15 years. In fact, more than 50% of Americans are missing teeth, and the average American has lost 12 permanent teeth by age 50.

As more people have found a need for full or partial dentures, denture technology has advanced. The days of your grandfather’s false teeth floating in a glass of water are over. Now, there’s a whole world of options for dealing with partial or total tooth loss.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

There are a lot of ways those permanent teeth can be lost – gum disease, tooth decay, genetic conditions, mouth trauma – but even if the missing teeth aren’t visible, it’s worthwhile to have some sort of replacement in place. Among the problems caused by missing teeth are:

• Effects on speech and eating, including discomfort when chewing
• Effects on aesthetics and self-confidence, though missing teeth that are not front and center may not be noticeable
• Changes to chewing habits, such as eating more slowly or with only one side of the mouth, which can affect the jaw and facial muscles over time
• Shifts to the mouth and shape of teeth over time
• Changes to one’s bite to compensate, which may lead to teeth grinding and/or sensitivity
• Declining density of the jawbone, as there are no tooth roots to stimulate it
• Further effects on one’s overall health beyond the mouth

Partial Dentures

For those who are only missing a few teeth, partial dentures can be a good solution that minimizes difficulty. Removable partial dentures are attached to a removable base and kept in place by natural teeth and, sometimes, an adjoining clasp. They look natural, they feel natural and they’re not especially expensive. On top of that, they’re fairly easy to repair and replace, the latter being particularly important as it’s possible to add more teeth to them down the line in certain situations.

On the other hand, removable partial dentures require a certain amount of maintenance; they need to be removed and cleaned daily, and must be kept out overnight so the gums can recover. They can sometimes be unstable or uncomfortable, and unless made of a thermoplastic such as nylon, they’re fragile – and frequent removal means more opportunities to damage or lose them.

Complete Dentures

For those with few or no teeth remaining, complete dentures may be the better option. Removable complete dentures are attached to an acrylic base designed to resemble gums, and they rest on top of the gums, kept in place via suction but usually affixed with denture adhesive as well. In addition to improving speech and eating abilities, complete dentures support cheek and lip muscles, which can result in a more youthful appearance. Like partial dentures, they can be adjusted over time as the jawbone changes shape, and they need to be replaced every 5-10 years.

Also like partial dentures, though, complete dentures must be removed for cleaning and left out overnight. They have been known, though not in all cases, to irritate the gums, damage the ability to taste or make clicking noises during speaking. Eating especially hard or sticky foods with them is generally not recommended, and the adhesives used to keep them in place are short-term and must be reapplied.

Incorporating Dental Implants

Both partial and complete dentures can be made more stable via attachment to dental implants, rather than via clasps or adhesives. Dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone and fuse with it over time, mimicking the roots of natural teeth, and the dentures are then secured to them with screws. These dentures place fewer limitations on food, though they can still be damaged by foods that are especially chewy or hard.  They are fairly easily removed for cleaning, and can be less bulky than standard removable dentures if made without a palate.

Installation of dental implants is a surgical procedure, of course, so anyone who receives them must be well enough for surgery. They are also typically more expensive than removable dentures, and the attachments on the fitting surface require regular maintenance.

The Denture Evaluation Process

If you’re interested in exploring your options for a set of dentures, the process begins with a one-on-one consultation in which your dentist will evaluate your fitness for dentures and schedule any extractions that need to occur. Your dentist office staff will get all the necessary X-rays, impressions and 3D scans necessary to design dentures custom-made for your mouth. On the day of the extraction procedure, you may receive your new dentures as soon as the necessary teeth have been removed, or you may have to wait until after your gums have healed for a few months.

Schedule Your Denture Consultation with Springfield Dental Group

If you think dentures will improve your quality of life, don’t hesitate! Reach out to Springfield Dental Group today to ask if you’re a good candidate for full or partial dentures. We’ll walk you through the process and make sure you understand everything about the procedure – and if you’re a good candidate, you’ll be on your way to a better-adjusted mouth and a much greater smile!