Choosing the right dentures is crucial for restoring and maintaining oral and overall well-being after tooth loss. In these cases, many patients turn to dentures for long-term tooth replacement.
With various options available, understanding the types of dentures and their suitability for different needs is essential. We hope this guide will help you navigate your options and make an informed decision.
What Are Dentures and How Do They Work?
Dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue after tooth loss. Patients who have lost some or all of their teeth to decay, disease, accidental trauma, or age often find dentures to be a popular solution. Custom-made from natural-looking porcelain or acrylic resin, dentures fit comfortably in the wearer’s mouth. Typically, dentures come in three main forms:
- Complete — What many people think of when they think “dentures.” Suitable for cases where all the teeth in an arch (either upper or lower jaw) are lost. Complete dentures fit snugly over the gums and jawbone, similar to a mouthpiece.
- Partial — Ideal for instances where a few teeth are missing. Partials attach to adjacent teeth and fill in gaps effectively.
- Implant-supported — The most stable and comfortable denture option, in which the dental prosthetic attaches to multiple dental implants placed in the jawbone, which support the dentures.
The Benefits of Wearing Dentures
Dentures offer several benefits that enhance quality of life for the patients wearing them:
- Confidence — Dentures restore a natural-looking smile and chewing, biting, and speaking functions, which boost confidence and self-esteem.
- Dietary freedom — Well-fitted dentures allow wearers to enjoy all the foods they loved before tooth loss without restriction.
- Support for facial muscles and bone structure — Without natural teeth, a person’s facial muscles can sag and their jawbone may atrophy. Dentures provide the necessary support for these muscles and oral support structures.
- Easy maintenance — As they’re removable, dentures are easy to clean thoroughly through brushing and overnight antibacterial soaking.
Top-Quality Tooth Replacement With Full and Partial Dentures in Annapolis, MD
If you’re in the Annapolis area and would like to learn more about all of your tooth replacement options, including full, partial, and implant-supported dentures, contact dentist Dr. Keith Polizois and the Chesapeake Bay Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!