Dentures are a traditional tooth replacement technique that remains in use because it can give good results for many people at an affordable cost. They are typically removable tooth replacement options, usually with a base designed to mimic or blend into gum tissue and one or more replacement teeth. They can replace anything from one missing tooth to an entire arch of teeth. The biggest drawback of dentures is that they may not be as functional as other tooth replacement options.

If you are in the Butler area and think dentures might be the right tooth replacement option for you, please contact Advanced Dentistry of Butler at (724) 282-4436. Dr. Bob will use his 40 years of experience to help you find the best option.

What Are Dentures?

In the broadest terms, a denture is any tooth replacement prosthetic. Dental bridges, for example, are sometimes called “fixed partial dentures.” But when we talk about them, we’re usually talking about removable tooth replacements.

These are often divided into the categories of partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures (sometimes just “partials”) are used to replace one or more teeth, but fewer than an entire arch. Complete dentures (sometimes called “full dentures”) are used to replace all the teeth in an arch.

Are Partials Right for You?

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you want to select a type of replacement. They are one or more replacement teeth attached to a base that mimics gum tissue, often held in place by hooks or clasps on teeth. Partials offer many benefits for tooth replacement, because they are:

  • Inexpensive
  • Versatile–replace any number of teeth
  • Can be modified to add teeth
  • No need for surgery
  • No need for tooth preparation
  • Can be ready quickly
  • Can be attractive

These qualities make partials the right choice for many people. However, there are also reasons why you might not choose partials. That’s because they:

  • Can be hard to maintain
  • Can cause damage or decay to natural teeth
  • Often have limited to no function in chewing
  • May not stay in place
  • May be uncomfortable

The difficulty of cleaning partials can cause the accumulation of plaque and debris against your natural teeth. This can lead to accelerated decay on teeth that support them. In some partials, the metal hooks and clasps that hold them in place can cause wear on natural teeth.

If you are looking for other tooth replacement options, consider a dental bridge or dental implant.

Are Complete Dentures Right for You?

Complete dentures are used when we need to replace all the teeth of a dental arch. These are typically teeth set in a plastic base, which fits over the gum tissue to be held in place by suction. Benefits include:

  • Low cost
  • Quick preparation–ready right away
  • Good appearance
  • Improve chewing function over no teeth

However, many people don’t like them because they:

  • Are loose
  • Don’t stay in place
  • Reduce chewing function compared to natural teeth
  • Are bulky
  • Can be uncomfortable

The main problem with them is that they rest entirely on your gums, depending on them for both anchorage and support. However, the gums are not adequate to the task of supporting teeth nor of holding teeth in place. Trying to make the gums achieve these goals can lead to poor function, discomfort, and dissatisfaction.

Many of the problems can be rectified with implant dentures.

Upgrading to Implant Dentures

Implant dentures use dental implants to overcome some of the limitations of complete ones. Dental implants can be used to hold dentures in place while still allowing them to rest on the gums for support. They won’t fall out, but they still have limited bite force.

With more dental implants, the implants can actually support the dentures, allowing bite force to be conveyed directly from the denture to the jawbone. This improves the bite force almost back to that of natural teeth.

Sometimes, denture implants can be designed to stay in the mouth like natural teeth. There’s no need to be without your teeth at night, and no need to soak them.

Are You Looking for Dentures in Butler?

If you’re looking for tooth replacement options in Butler, let Dr. Bob use his expertise to help you find the best option that meets your cosmetic and functional goals.

Please call (724) 282-4436 today for an appointment.