What To Know If You Need Dentures

With the advancement of modern dentistry, there are more options than ever for replacing missing teeth with dentures. However, so much information can be overwhelming. In this post, we’ll share the basics of dentures as well as what you should know if you’ll need dentures in the near future.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are dental appliances that replace one or more missing teeth. Most dentures are easily removable for care and cleaning, although some dentures are considered permanent and can only be removed by your dentist. Dentures can restore your ability to speak clearly and chew effectively as well as improve the appearance of your smile and protect your oral health. Depending on the style, dentures can be made out of several different materials, including acrylic resin, porcelain, nylon, and metal. Your dentures will be custom-made to match the color of your gums, the color and shape of your natural teeth (for partial dentures), and the shape of your gums and mouth.

Types of Dentures

There are two main types of dentures: full and partial.

Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth—for example, all of your top teeth, bottom teeth, or both arches. Traditional full dentures sit over the top of your gums and need to be held in place with denture adhesive. However, full dentures can also be held in place with implants into the jaw. The dentures either snap in and out of place (implant-retained dentures) or are designed to be worn 24/7 (implant-supported dentures).

A partial denture can replace a single tooth or a group of teeth within an arch where you still have some strong, healthy teeth remaining. Partial dentures (also called bridges) may be held in place with small metal hooks that attach to your natural teeth, or they may be surgically implanted or attached to permanent crowns.

Reasons You Might Need Dentures

There are many potential causes of tooth loss that may warrant the need for dentures, including:

• Periodontal (gum) disease – If left untreated, gum disease can cause receding gums, deterioration of the teeth and the surrounding bones and tissues, and, ultimately, tooth loss.
• Trauma – An impact to the teeth or jaw can break teeth or knock them out altogether.
• Genetic disorders – Certain conditions can cause missing teeth, from either the primary or permanent teeth. This can be hypodontia (missing 1-5 teeth), oligodontia (missing 6 or more but not all teeth), or anodontia (missing all teeth).
• Chronic diseases – Some diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma can increase the likelihood of tooth loss.
• Cavities – Dental cavities happen as a result of rapid demineralization of the tooth structure, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Why Is It Important to Replace Missing Teeth?

It can be tempting to postpone tooth replacement, especially if the missing tooth isn’t visible when you smile. However, missing teeth can cause problems like:

• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speaking
• Malnutrition as a result of those difficulties
• Lowered self-esteem
• Loss and deterioration of the bones that support your teeth
• Weakened jaw muscles
• Shifting of remaining teeth

Turn to Burns Dentistry for Dentures

To learn more about dentures or to set up an appointment to be fitted for dentures, contact Burns Dentistry today. Our offices are conveniently located in Sun City, Sun City West, and Litchfield Park, Arizona.