Don’t Wait to Find Out Which Type of Denture Is Best for You

August 16, 2017

No matter how your tooth loss occurred, the next most important thing is finding a replacement ASAP. Dentures have long been trusted as a way to fill the gaps left by a significant number of missing teeth, and they have never been more effective than they are today. Dentures can be full, partial, and retained by dental implants or not. Keep reading to find out which one might be best for your smile — we know you’ll be glad you did!

Why Tooth Replacement Is Crucial

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can wait to find an effective tooth replacement — especially if you are already missing or on the brink of losing a number of teeth. Tooth loss causes a number of issues, all of which can take a major toll on your overall quality of life. Gaps in the smile can lower your self-confidence by making you more reluctant to smile or speak. It’s also difficult to eat a balanced, nutritious diet when you can’t bite and chew properly due to missing teeth. Natural remaining teeth are likely to drift out of alignment to fill the empty space. Fortunately, dentures provide a wonderful option for cases of significant tooth loss.

Types of Dentures

A denture is a set of prosthetic teeth usually placed into a plastic base that looks like your gum tissue. You have three main options when it comes to dentures: full, partial, and supported by your gums or by dental implants.

Full vs. Partial Dentures

Just like the name suggests, a full denture replaces an entire row of missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. An upper denture has a covering for the roof of your mouth, while the lower denture is shaped like a U so there’s room for your tongue to move about freely. A full denture that is not retained by dental implants (more on that below) is held in place using natural suction. A denture adhesive may be used for additional security. A partial denture fills in the gaps that surround your healthy natural teeth. It can snap into place, secured by metal brackets or clasps. Partial dentures can also be fixed prosthetics, which can only be removed by your dentist.

Implant-Retained Dentures Are Best

Patients who are eligible for dental implants are strongly advised to choose an implant-retained denture. Rather than resting on your gums like a traditional denture, a denture supported by dental implants is rooted in your jaw, just like your natural teeth. Unlike traditional dental implants, though, your Houston dental implant expert will fit you with an overdenture. It snaps firmly onto the dental implants, but you can remove it for thorough cleaning. That means you can enjoy all the benefits of dental implants (security, better oral health) while also enjoying the convenience of a removable prosthetic.

Request a Free Consultation Today!

If you are missing a significant number of teeth, you owe it to yourself to find a replacement that allows you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. The team at Piney Point Dental Implant Center can help. Request a free consultation with our team of experts today!