Dentures are common prosthetic devices that serve as a tooth replacement solution for patients who suffer from tooth loss. People can be missing teeth for various reasons including natural aging, dental disease, or trauma to the mouth. Lost teeth can impair your ability to eat efficiently, speak properly, and maintain proper oral health. However, replacing lost teeth with dentures can help these patients live a normal life again. Dr. Walter Mazzella offers dentures in Ellicott City, MD to help patients rebuild their smile.
Why Replacing Missing Teeth
If you have several missing teeth or an entire arch of missing teeth, replacing those gaps is important for many reasons. No matter how you lose your teeth, dentures are a great solution to restore your smile and help return functionality.
Simple acts like speaking and chewing food can be a challenge when you have large gaps in your smile. These gaps create functional challenges that can only be resolved with false teeth. Getting a denture will help you pronounce your words properly and allow you to chew your food efficiently.
If you are missing a lot of teeth, this can also lead to various oral health issues. Any remaining teeth will begin to shift out of place. The underlying bone will begin to slowly deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. This is what creates a sunken look on people’s faces that have multiple missing teeth.
Also, people with tooth loss are at a higher risk of developing gum disease and tooth. Getting dentures can help you maintain your oral health and avoid many additional health issues.
Missing teeth can lead to a lack of confidence and self-esteem issues. Many patients with tooth loss hide their smiles or avoid speaking in public. Dentures will restore the aesthetic of your smile and help boost your confidence.
Types of Dentures
A denture is a dental appliance that is made to resemble natural teeth. They are custom-made for each patient so that they will fit perfectly in their mouth. Your dentist will take impressions and measurements to ensure that the restoration will look natural and support the facial structures. There are several types of dentures available to meet the needs of our patients.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, or complete dentures, are for people missing a whole row of teeth. We can design a set of false teeth to replace the teeth on the upper or lower jaw or both. A full set of dentures consists of a gum-colored acrylic base that will support the false teeth. It stays in place with suction and denture adhesive if needed. A full denture is removable and should be removed daily for cleaning and to give the gums a rest.
Partial Dentures
Patients who are missing teeth on an arch but also have some natural teeth remaining can benefit from partial dentures. Your dentist can design this prosthetic device for either the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures consist of a metal or acrylic framework that attaches to the remaining natural teeth with clasps. The false teeth are attached to the framework and will fill in the gaps created by the missing teeth. Oftentimes, the metal clasps are seen when you smile. Like a full denture, a partial denture should be removed daily for cleaning and to rest the gums.
Implant-Supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture is the most sophisticated way to replace most or all of the teeth on an arch. This type of dental restoration uses dental implants which are titanium posts that your dentist will surgically place in the jaw bone. Once there, they fuse to the jaw bone creating a secure and extremely stable base for a custom denture. Denture implants requires about two to eight dental implants per arch to support the denture. This type of denture provides exceptional stability and support as opposed to the suction, adhesive, and clasps.
Implant-supported dentures can be removable or fixed in place, depending on the patient’s preference and oral health situation. Patients will be able to chew more efficiently with them compared to traditional dentures.
Caring For Your Dentures
Taking good care of your dentures will help them last as long as possible. It will also support your oral health and keep them in good shape so they are comfortable to wear. Here is a list of things you should do to maintain your dentures.
- Clean your Dentures Everyday
- Carefully Handle Your Dentures
- Avoid Hot Water
- Soak your Dentures While you Sleep
- Rinse after Every Meal
- See your Dentist Regularly
Schedule a Consultation for Dentures in Ellicott City, MD
Dr. Mazzella is an expert restorative dentist who offers dentures to patients from Ellicott City, MD. If you are interested in learning more about them, you can call (410) 559-9951 to book a consultation with him. You can also request an appointment online by filling out the provided form.