Dentures
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Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available -- complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.


Reasons for tooth loss

Tooth loss is the main reason people get dentures.
There are a few primary causes of tooth loss:

1

Periodontal disease (most common)


2

Tooth extraction


2

Natural aging

3

Poor oral care


4

Severe tooth decay


4

Facial or jaw injury



You're also at a higher risk for tooth loss if you

1

Smoke or use tobacco products


2

Have rheumatoid arthritis


2

Have diabetes or high blood pressure

3

Don't get professional teeth cleanings and exams twice a year


4

Neglect dental care, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using fluoride, and rinsing with mouthwash


Types of Dentures

There are many different types of dentures available. The type that is best for you depends on your oral health status and lifestyle.

1. Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are also called full dentures. They're replacements for entire sets of teeth.
Full dentures are the last option after all other tooth restorations are deemed ineffective.
These dentures are completely customized and restore the shape and look of natural teeth. They also improve mastication, which means you can crush, grind, and eat food normally again.

Elderly people are the most common candidates for complete dentures. In rare cases, young patients may also be candidates. This is only the case if they lost all their teeth from an injury or severe tooth decay.


Advantages

  1. Restores eating and chewing
  2. Improves self-esteem and confidence
  3. Maintains a fuller, more youthful appearance
  4. Allows for proper speaking
  5. A durable prosthesis that can last around 10 years
  6. Cost-effective


Disadvantages

  1. Requires maintenance like relines and repairs
  2. Retention of a lower denture declines over time
  3. Can slip out of place when speaking or eating
  4. A lisp may develop

2. Fixed Partial Dentures (Implant-Supported Bridge)

Fixed partial dentures (FPD) also called implant-supported bridges, use existing teeth as abutments. Abutments refer to the surrounding teeth that serve as the main support for the denture.

FPD's replace a few missing teeth in a row with dental implants.

Unlike complete and removable partial false teeth, implant-supported bridges are not removable.

These permanent dentures restore one or more missing teeth in a row when strong natural teeth are present on both sides of the missing ones.


Advantages

  1. Improved aesthetics
  2. Patients typically feel more secure with fixed (permanent) dentures
  3. Stronger than removable false teeth
  4. Consistent tooth positioning and better bite
  5. Longer protection of the oral structure
  6. Risk of injuries to the periodontium and dental pulp
  7. Replacement cost is higher than removable dentures

3. Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures (RPD) only replace some missing teeth. An RPD consists of replacement teeth attached to a plastic, gum-coloured base.

Removable partial dentures are built onto a cast metal framework for strength. They restore the natural look, feel, and function of your teeth.

RPD’s can be removed at any time and replaced easily. They are most recommended for patients who aren't good candidates for an implant-supported bridge.


Pros

  1. Natural-looking and durable
  2. Easily removable for cleaning
  3. Don't break easily
  4. Cost-effective
  5. Faster to make than full dentures
  6. Comfortable
  7. Maintain the structural integrity of your mouth (prevent teeth shifting)


Cons

  1. Can only be used to replace some missing teeth
  2. Softer than traditional dentures
  3. Prone to plaque build-up if not cleaned properly
  4. Not permanent

Who is a Candidate for Dentures?

Men and women with significant tooth loss are candidates for dentures. False teeth are not dependent on age, but more so on the condition of your teeth.It's also important to have enough jawbone structure and healthy gum tissue remaining. False teeth need enough support from natural tissue to remain in place for a long time.