Are Dentures Right for You?
Everyone cares about their smiles. Our teeth are very important to us in both a practical, as well as an aesthetic sense. As we age, the enamel on our teeth wears down, allowing for decay. It is usually inevitable, and results in tooth loss. Once the loss becomes too great, something must be done. One good alternative, is applying dentures to the gums to allow for easy chewing.So What are Dentures?
In simple context, it is a removable plate that can hold one or more artificial teeth. They are usually held in place with the use of a fixative such as wafers or adhesives. There are two different types of dentures: partials and complete. Partials are used to fill in the space, while still retaining some natural teeth. Complete dentures involves substituting for every tooth in the mouth.
Complete Dentures
There are two main types of complete dentures: Immediate or Conventional. The more common of the two, conventional dentures are made after the extraction of all of the teeth in the mouth. It usually takes up to twelve weeks for the gums to heal before the dentures are actually placed.
Immediate dentures are pre-made and placed immediately after the teeth are removed. Considered a more temporary solution, immediate dentures must be adjusted several times as the gum and bones shrink during the healing process. Conventional is the more recommended of the two options.
Partial Dentures
Usually called a "bridge" a partial denture is used when the person still has some of their natural teeth remaining. It is usually comprised of a metal framework that is covered in a pink or flesh tone coating to hide the dentures.
Partials can also be attached by what is know as a "fixed bridge." This occurs when crowns are added to the teeth on either side of the gap, and then an artificial tooth is anchored in between. This can also keep the teeth from shifting, and is a good alternative to a removable bridge.
Practical vs. Aesthetic
The dentures of today are very natural looking, and many people are simply unaware you are wearing them. Some people need them for practical value, and these are usually the complete dentures. Some, however (mostly partials) are interested in the more aesthetic approach as they generally have the majority of their natural teeth.
Cost Effective
The alternative to dentures, are implants. Although easier to maintain at times, the costs are astronomical to that of dentures. In addition, many people require prior surgeries before receiving the implant, and some are simply not good candidates at all, due to bone density.
Overall, everyone ages and our teeth were never meant to hold out forever. With today's sugary diets, more and more people are losing their teeth at a quicker rate of speed. Whether a complete denture for a lovely smile, or a partial to cover the holes, it is a cost effective option. Not everyone can receive an implant, but everyone can wear dentures. Ask your dentist today. Don't go without eating the foods you love. Dentures can be your answer.
