Decades ago, a full set of dentures used to be the norm for pretty much everyone over a certain age. Today, with a much better understanding of oral hygiene and new treatments and technologies, tooth loss occurs at a much lower rate than it used to. However, dentures are still more common than you might realize. This is because dentures these days are much less noticeable and more realistic.
For those people who are missing one or more teeth, full or partial dentures are a great option to restore their smile and their confidence.
What are full dentures?
Full dentures are designed to replace an entire set of teeth. When you imagine a stereotypical set of false teeth, these are based on full dentures. However, you can also have full dentures to replace just the top or bottom set of teeth if required, rather than the entire mouth.
Full dentures are molded specifically to fit the mouth of the wearer and need regular check-ups to make sure they are well-fitted and comfortable. They may take some getting used to initially, but after a while, wearers should comfortably be able to eat, drink, and talk as usual. Dentures are removable and should be cleaned regularly just like natural teeth.
What are partial dentures?
Partial dentures can be used when one tooth or a few teeth are missing. The replacement teeth are affixed to a metal framework that allows you to easily remove the partial from your mouth, although fixed partial dentures are also an option. Like full dentures, partials are designed to fit the wearer’s mouth and mimic the original teeth and gums as naturally as possible.
Which one is right for you?
If you have lost all of your teeth, then you will require a set of full dentures to replace them. Or, if you lose all of the teeth on either the upper or lower jaw, then you can have full dentures fitted for just that portion of your mouth. Sometimes, if someone has lost a significant portion of their teeth due to tooth decay or injury, then the best option may be to remove the rest of the teeth and have full dentures fitted.
Partial dentures are ideal for anyone who has lost a few teeth but still has other healthy teeth remaining. They can be used to replace the missing teeth while blending in with the surrounding teeth. Partial dentures are especially a good option for anyone who has lost teeth due to an accident or injury because this is isolated, whereas tooth loss due to decay may have affected the surrounding teeth.
If you have missing teeth and want to find out if full or partial dentures are suitable for you, then contact us at Advance Family Dental for treatment and check-ups around Bermuda Run, Winston Salem, Clemmons, and Lewisville, NC.