Most people have heard of dentures as a way of addressing the issue of missing teeth. That, however, might be the extent of your knowledge. It’s important to know that there are a number of different types of dentures and not all of them are appropriate for every situation. In fact, full dentures are only a solution if you have no more healthy teeth remaining on either your upper or lower arch.

Are Dentures a Good Choice for You?

If you still have healthy teeth, then a partial denture might be an option for you. Another possibility could be a dental implant but these tend to be more costly than partial dentures. It’s important to speak to your dentist about your options as well as your concerns — including cost — in regards to your dental needs.

Partial Denture Options

Today’s partial dentures offer solutions for nearly any dental issue imaginable. While the best one for your particular situation will be decided upon by you and your dentist, below are some possibilities:

• Removable partial denture with metal clasps: This is the most common kind of partial denture. It’s made up of a combination of replacement teeth that sit on a cast metal frame that’s rigid. Cast metal clasps help the partial dentures attach to your existing teeth. Cared for properly, these dentures can last for a number of years.
• Fixed bridge: A fixed bridge option is an ideal solution if you have one or two missing teeth that are bracketed by healthy teeth on either side. It’s made up of crowns on either end of the partial denture with the replacements teeth — called pontics — in between them. A fixed bridge stays in your mouth all the time and is cared for like your natural teeth.
• Flexible partial dentures: These partial dentures are designed of a plastic that is heat sensitive and thin. This can make them more comfortable to wear as well as more natural to look at. Instead of cast metal clasps, a flexible partial denture has gum colored clasps that are thin and that fit around your teeth’s natural places. It might be a good solution if you find other types of partial dentures to be uncomfortable.
• Fixed bridge supported by dental implants: A traditional fixed bridge is a great option for many people but if you are missing too many teeth, a fixed bridge that’s supported by dental implants could be the answer. Another reason why this option might be chosen is that it doesn’t involve altering your existing teeth. Instead, dental implants are placed in your mouth to both encourage the increased growth of your jaw bone and to provide a support system for your fixed bridge. A fixed bridge supported by dental implants is also a great option for people that are missing too many teeth for a traditional fixed bridge. It also stays in your mouth permanently and is cared for like your other teeth.

At Dupont Dental, we pride ourselves on our personalized approach to dental care. After a careful consultation, we’ll recommend the partial denture options that suit you best. Contact us today for more information.

Dentures are a traditional method used by dentists to replace one or multiple missing teeth. They are a removable plate that holds artificial teeth, which is then inserted into the mouth. The artificial teeth are positioned in a way that they fill the gap where the missing tooth or teeth were originally located. This can be a partial replacement or a complete one. As well as helping you replace your missing tooth, dentures can provide other benefits to your life too.

One of the main advantages of wearing dentures is the confidence it can give to you. When you are missing a tooth, you’ll find it difficult to eat properly, and it will understandably affect your self-esteem. This can stop you from smiling and eating out in public. A well-fitted partial or complete denture can help you feel better about your appearance and even enhance it. It can also give you the confidence to eat in front of others again. This can give you a new start and make you a friendlier and more self-assured person as a result.

Not only that, but your dentures can also help you live a healthier lifestyle. You may not have been eating the right foods due to the pain or discomfort caused by your tooth loss. This could mean your body isn’t getting the proper nutrients and vitamins it needs to function correctly. With the help of your new dentures, you can start eating better which will improve your overall health. It will also make it easier to clean and floss your teeth each day and remove unwanted plaque and bacteria.

While there are countless benefits to using dentures, like most things they can vary significantly in quality. While it can be tempting to save money where you can, this won’t always give you the best results. Low quality or ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort and pain when chewing and talking. They often look fake and are more noticeable to others. They can also alter your face shape, by making it look sunken and less attractive. In comparison, high-quality dentures are durable, comfortable to wear and look natural. Their custom fit will also stop them from falling out and keep you looking your absolute best.

Dentures can be made from some different materials, so it can be hard to choose the right one. Porcelain and acrylic resin tend to be the materials that many dentists favour. Each has its pros and cons. Porcelain, for example, is durable and can last for a long time. But they can also get chipped, need careful handling and thorough cleaning. Acrylic causes little damage to your other teeth and can resist unsightly staining. However, they don’t last as long and can wear down, altering the size of the artificial tooth. It’s vital that you consider the pros and cons of each before deciding which one will work best.

For more information on the varying types of dentures, talk to your dentist. They can use their experience and expertise to advise you on which dentures would be most appropriate for you.