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A denture is a removable dental appliance that is used to replace missing teeth. In addition to providing support for cheeks and lips, your dentures will recreate the appearance of a natural smile without the need for dental implants or implant-supported restorations. Unlike partials, complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper and lower jaws. Since they are removable, they can also be cleaned easily with the help of a toothbrush or a special denture-cleaning solution. While traditional removable appliances can be fabricated with metal clasps and bases, many modern restorations are crafted from flexible nylon to ensure a more natural-looking appearance that blends seamlessly with a patient's gums.

You may be tempted to skip over getting a complete set of dentures because you think that the cost will be too high. However, replacing all of the teeth is usually less expensive than the long-term costs of not replacing them. When teeth are lost or extracted without being replaced, the bone in that area of the mouth may shrink over time. This can cause the facial structure to change and lead to an older-looking appearance overall. In addition, bone shrinkage can lead to other oral health complications like difficulty chewing, TMJ disorder, and even temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Replacing missing teeth with a full set of quality dentures will help to prevent these unnecessary health issues related to tooth loss.

What Are the Benefits of Dentures?

There is no single best treatment option for everyone with missing teeth, but certain treatments do provide certain benefits over others. For example, dental implants may be more durable than dentures and can help prevent jawbone loss over time. However, they are more expensive than other treatment options.

When it comes to dentures, the main benefit is that they provide a way to replace missing teeth without major surgery. The procedure is non-invasive, meaning that there is no cutting into the gums or bone grafting required to place the dentures in place. Most people find that their speech and ability to chew food improves after receiving a set of new dentures.

Additionally, patients tend to find dentures to be more comfortable compared to having teeth extracted. While it may take time to adjust to them, dentures can be custom-made for a comfortable fit that mimics the way natural teeth feel in the mouth. For some patients, implants provide even more comfortable because they can be permanently fixed in the mouth. Implant-supported dentures are secured by titanium posts rather than by natural suction the way regular dentures are placed. This helps ensure that the dentures will not slip out of place while eating or speaking.

What Are the Different Types of Dentures?

Full dentures replace all of your upper or lower teeth or both. Partials replace some missing teeth in your upper or lower jaws.

There are two types of full dentures – immediate and conventional. Immediate full dentures are placed right after your teeth are removed during oral surgery. After your gums heal, you'll still need to see your dentist for adjustments as the bones and gums shrink over time. Conventional dentures are made after the healing period is over. They usually require more visits for adjustments, as your mouth will continue to change shape.

Both types of dentures are removable. You can also have overdentures with dental implants, which we will explain in the next section. 

At North Star Dental, we ensure to provide each of our patients with a positive and relaxing experience. If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us at (505) 369-1881 or visit us at 9501 Paseo del Norte NE, Suite A, Albuquerque, NM 87122. We will be happy to guide you further.