Why are Dentures so Important to Your Oral Health?

We only have one set of permanent teeth. Once we lose them, they can only be replaced with restorations. Today’s three main options are dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Each of these has its own advantage and disadvantages but dentures are one of the most popular tooth replacement options today, usually because they are economical compared to the other options. For years, dentures have been the go-to treatment for people who lost their teeth. And with recent advances in dentistry, dentures are now more attractive, functional, and comfortable than ever.

Knowing the pros and cons of modern dentures can help you feel more confident about what to expect during your denture fitting and treatment. These teeth replacements are undeniably effective, but many people did not very keep about them in the past. This is because dentures look too artificial, cause discomfort, have food restrictions, affect speech, and can even slip out of the mouth while talking or eating. Fortunately, all these worries are now a thing of the past. You just have to be fitted with the right kind of modern dentures.

What are the Types of Dentures?

Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth. They are mostly replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base that is sometimes connected by a framework that holds the denture in place.
Complete or full dentures are a full set of dentures that replace a whole set of missing teeth. If you have natural teeth left, your dentist might suggest dentures that fit over these teeth.

What are the Benefits of Dentures?

Improved self-confidence. Missing teeth can make you shy away from social events and even from chatting with friends. A smile has a positive psychological effect on the person smiling and on the people who see the smile. A beautiful smile can give you confidence and can go a long way in easing your daily life.
Minimal or no diet restrictions. Dentures are able to withstand almost any kind of punishment just as much as natural teeth can. They were originally designed for chewing, but modern ones are now made to also be fully functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable. Thus, you do not have to give up your favorite food once you get your dentures.
No speech problems. Missing teeth can negatively alter the way you talk, so some people are less likely to get into conversations because they are conscious of how it affects their speech. It will take some time to get used to wearing dentures, but they can eventually help you with your speech problems.
Health. Dentures support the muscles and structure of the face and decrease oral bone loss. Replacing missing teeth significantly improves your oral health and appearance. Any space left behind by missing teeth can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which causes gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. Plus, food can easily become trapped in those spaces, leading to bad breath and bacterial growth. Consequently, leaving missing teeth can cause the facial muscles to sag and make you look older.

The benefits listed above are not unique to dentures, but it is worth noting that they are among the most economical tooth replacement option today, particularly when compared to dental implants which are very expensive. However, the main benefit of dentures is getting a set of fully-functioning teeth that feel and look like the real thing. So if you are missing one or a few teeth and want to enjoy the benefits of a full smile, contact a reputable dentist in your area today and ask about dentures.