Full Dentures
Your teeth have numerous responsibilities. Along with biting and chewing, they aid in proper speech and help to provide you with a stunning smile. In the event of tooth loss, all of these functions are impacted, and your confidence can plummet. Replacing missing teeth is essential for restoring your quality of life. At Kelly Smile Dentistry, we can treat your tooth loss with dentures and Partials.
How Does Tooth Loss Occur?
Tooth loss can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes of loss is gum disease. Gum disease starts when bacteria and plaque buildup on your teeth and begin irritating your gum tissue. The tissue becomes inflamed. Eventually, it begins to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets that trap bacteria and other debris. The bacteria then begin attacking your periodontal ligaments and your jawbone. The teeth become loose and eventually fall out without treatment. Other causes of tooth loss include:
Oral and facial trauma.
Severe tooth decay.
Bruxism.
Hormonal changes such as menopause.
Osteoporosis.
Dentures for Tooth Loss
Dentures have been used for centuries to replace missing teeth. The dentures we use today, however, are nothing like the ones used several years ago. Technological developments have made dentures more natural in appearance and more comfortable. The premise behind them is still the same. Dentures consist of an acrylic base that supports acrylic resin teeth. The base sits directly on your gums, relying on them for support. They are a removable prosthesis that is meant to be taken out each night for special cleaning and then left out overnight while you sleep. Leaving them out is essential for giving your gums an opportunity to rest. Dentures can be made to remove an entire arch of teeth, called full dentures, or a section of missing teeth called a partial denture.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are used to replace a full arch of missing teeth. They are created from an impression of your mouth. Before we take impressions, however, any unhealthy, unsalvageable teeth first need to be removed. Impressions today are nothing like those of the past. Rather than impression putty, we can take them digitally. These impressions are then sent to our dental lab, where they are used to custom design and create a denture that will fit perfectly in your mouth.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is one that replaces a section of missing teeth. They are used when you still have perfectly healthy teeth in your arch. After all, there is no need to remove perfectly healthy teeth. In fact, leaving your healthy teeth intact is better for your oral health. Just like a full denture, a partial denture is created from a digital impression of your mouth. Along with the base resting directly on your gums, partial dentures also have metal clasps that hook on to your healthy teeth. These clasps are designed to provide additional support.
Benefits of Full and Partial Dentures
Dentures offer several benefits, including:
You are able to eat normally again.
Your speech is restored.
You get your smile, and your confidence, back.
Dentures fill out your face, helping to restore a more youthful appearance.
If you have suffered tooth loss, it is important that you have those missing teeth replaced as soon as possible. For more information, and to find out if full or partial dentures are right for you, call Kelly Smile Dentistry today at (442) 229-0766.