What You Need to Know About Dentures

If you lose a tooth or several teeth from an accident or dental illness, dentures are one of the solutions used to remedy the gap(s) left. Here's what you need to know about dentures:

What Are Dentures?

Simply put, dentures are removable plastic plates that have artificial teeth attached to them. They are usually worn in your mouth to fill in gaps left by missing teeth. When slipped into your upper or lower gum, they are supported by your pallet or gum. You can either come across partial or full dentures:

Partial Dentures

If you have one missing tooth, only one tooth is attached to the plate at the position where you have the missing tooth. If you have several teeth missing, the number of teeth attached matches the number of missing teeth, and they are attached at the position where you have missing teeth to fill in the gap.

Full Dentures

If you don't have any natural teeth left in your mouth, you might need full dentures. These are two plastic plates with a full set of teeth; one for the upper gum and the second for the lower gum.

Why Dentures Are Considered Over Other Remedies

As indicated above, dentures are one of the solutions used to fill gaps in your teeth. You may also come across dental implants, which also help fill gaps in teeth. So, why are dentures considered over dental implants?

Your dentist may, of course, inform you of the choices you have: dentures and dental implants. Both these remedies work, but dental implants are often considered better. There are, however, some factors that make dentures the right option for you:

  • Dental implants require extensive surgery because implants have to be inserted into your jaw for each tooth. The dentist needs to confirm that your jaw can handle them first. If it can't, your option is dentures.
  • Dental implants are expensive. Since they achieve the best natural appearance and involve surgery, they fetch a high price. If you cannot afford them, go with dentures.
  • If you don't want to subject yourself to dental surgery, you can choose dentures. All that is required is completed in three simple stages: fitting (taking your gums measurement), waiting for the dentures to be made in a dental laboratory and collecting them.

What You Need to Be Prepared For

After you are fitted with dentures, expect to have some discomfort for some time until you get used to them; your speech might also be altered. You also need to clean them every day and remove them when sleeping.


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