Missing Teeth Change More Than You Realize
Missing teeth can change more than just the way your smile looks; they can change the way you talk, the way you eat, and the way your face ages. Many people avoid treatments to replace missing teeth because they think it will be too expensive, difficult, or invasive. However, the reality of the situation is much simpler. Out of the many options for dental restoration, dentures are still probably the best, most affordable, and most successful option.
Modern dentures are made with advanced materials and are more comfortable, functional, and realistic than ever. Dentures are still one of the best options for people with missing teeth, with the highest level of comfort and the most affordable long-term results.
What are dentures?
Dentures are dental prosthetic appliances that you can take in and out to replace teeth that you are missing. They help patrons regain the fullness of their smile with the ability to chew food and speak with clarity.
Dentures are made to order for your mouth and can provide the most comfort and the best fit out of any options. They are usually recommended for people who need to have teeth replaced and do not want to go through surgical procedures.
Types of Dentures for Missing Teeth
Depending on the number of teeth lost and the condition of the mouth, there are various denture options available.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are the best option for patients who are edentulous (those who have no teeth), whether it be the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both. They are crafted to cover the jaws and to remold the face for aesthetic and functional purposes. Full dentures are very modern, lightweight, and you can even receive a set that looks as if you have natural teeth.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are available for patients with some remaining natural teeth. They close the spaces due to missing teeth and are also able to keep adjacent teeth intact, thus preventing unwanted movement. They are considered to be among the best flexible systems for dentures.
Advantages of Using Dentures
The advantages that come with the use of dentures are more than just aesthetic. Patients usually experience several changes in daily routines. Improved confidence and comfort are usually immediate.
The advantages of dentures are the following:
- Have a lower cost than other alternatives
- Have no surgical visits
- Increase in facial structure
- Improved speech
- Improve chewing and digestion
- Improved daily life comfort and confidence
Overall, dentures are a good option for dental restoration for many patients.
A Detailed Comparison of Dentures and Dental Implants
When patients ask about the differences between dentures and dental implants, the common response focuses on the cosmetic appearance of the devices. While both dentures and dental implants help with the replacement of lost teeth, they serve different needs.
| Feature | Dentures | Dental Implants |
| Cost | More affordable upfront | Higher initial cost |
| Surgery Required | No | Yes |
| Treatment Time | Faster | Longer healing period |
| Maintenance | Daily removal & cleaning | Cleaned like natural teeth |
| Bone Preservation | Limited | Preserves jawbone |
| Ideal For | Most patients | Patients with good bone density |
What can be expected when a patient receives new removable dentures?
Understanding dentures, what’s involved with the denture design and fitting process = a new denture = less time and less stress on a patient.
What’s involved with the design and fitting of new dentures?
- Initial appointment for a dental examination. This includes a consultation and jaw impressions for the denture design.
- The design is completed, and a fitting occurs.
- The patient receives the new dentures and is given care instructions.
Getting used to wearing new removable dentures
For most patients, wearing the new dentures simply takes time. In the first few weeks, don’t be surprised that modern dentures may cause soreness, and you will likely experience more mouth swallowing to control saliva, and you will experience some changes in speech.
Caring for New Dentures: More Tips
Patient care of new denture problems will hopefully be simple and will include the following:
- New dentures will probably cause mouth soreness, and you will likely experience more mouth swelling to control saliva, and you will experience some changes in speech.
- Be sure to clean the dentures at least once daily.
- Make sure to use a denture brush.
- Be sure to use a denture cleaner.
- Set the dentures in denture cleaner or plain water, at least overnight.
- Be sure the dentures do not touch hot water, which can cause the dentures to warp.
Patients should remember the cause of the length problems:
- New dentures are still being formed, which will cause mouth soreness.
- There is an adjustment time. The new denture is formed, which will first cause mouth soreness.
- There is an adjustment period.
- The new denture simply takes time to become less swollen.
- The speech changes will cause speech changes.
- These changes are positive.
Why Dentures are Still a Great Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth
With new advancements, dentures still remain one of the most trusted dental solutions available to people today. Dentures are customizable, reliable, and accessible, making them a perfect solution for most people, regardless of their age or missing teeth situation.
They are a good solution if you are looking for partial dentures, full dentures, or if you are looking for your first replacement tooth.
Dentures and a Smile You Can Be Proud Of
You shouldn’t have to deal with the negative impacts of having missing teeth and the negative impacts on your confidence. Don’t worry, dentures help with that. Dentures help with your daily function and give you a smile you can be proud of.
Dentures can be customized to be more comfortable for your lifestyle and goals. Woodbine Danforth Dental Care prioritizes customer goals. From the first consultation to the final adjustment, your priorities will be our focus.
You can schedule a consultation now. Start on the path to a more confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are wearing dentures comfortable?
Yes. When a denture fitting is done correctly, and with modern advancements, dentures can be super comfortable and can offer a lot of support.
2. How long can I expect dentures to last?
If you take good care of your dentures, expect to have them for 5-10 years.
3. With dentures, can I eat normally?
Yes. Patients will usually be able to eat a large variety of foods comfortably after adjusting to dentures.
4. Are dentures better than implants?
Dentures and implants serve different purposes. For many patients, dentures can be better because they are more affordable and don’t require surgery.