Although everybody hopes to be able to keep their natural teeth throughout their natural lives, it isn’t always possible. Gold and porcelain teeth are great choices when you only need one or two replaced – but what happens when you need several new teeth in a row? Don’t cringe at the thought of ill-fitting dentures and messy glues just yet; with the latest technology at our fingertips, dentures and partial dentures are neater and easier to manage than the false teeth of your grandmother’s day.
Understanding Dentures
Unless you know someone who doesn’t mind sharing their denture adventures with you, you probably have a myth-guided idea of what it takes to maintain these nifty oral contraptions. Before the mere mention of the word makes you shudder, consider these facts about dentures:
- – The vast majority of patients with full or partial dentures adjust to eating and speaking with them fairly quickly, although there may always be a word or two that you just can’t get your mouth around.
- – Made of plastic and supported with metal, dentures can last a long time with proper care – and you shouldn’t need to visit your dentist any more often than usual.
- – Dentures aren’t difficult to care for. Like brushing and flossing, you simply have to remember to do it.
- – You don’t have to worry about your teeth falling out (or something equally embarrassing) in public. Properly made dentures today are fairly comfortable and designed to stay where they are supposed to.
- – Your dentures will be made from an impression of your mouth, so its contours should fit the grooves of your gums precisely.
To Bridge or Not to Bridge
When you have a few teeth missing in a row, you may be able to simply get bridges. Made of porcelain teeth that bridge the gap between existing teeth, bridges are usually the best option for patients missing between one and three teeth in a row. Any more, and your dentist will likely suggest the use of partial dentures instead.
One of the major differences between bridges and partial dentures is the fact that bridges are fixed in your mouth, while partial dentures are removable. They are maintained in the same way as full dentures, and come with the same pros and cons. They also tend to be cheaper than bridges and easier to repair if repair is needed, although bridges may last longer.
Strengthen Your Gaps with Implants
Whether you need bridges, partial dentures, or full dentures, consider getting implants that will keep your false teeth more firmly in place. Dr. Liggett specializes in dental implants, and will gladly provide you with the strength and stability that come with implants – no matter what type of teeth you plan to put on them.
