It’s natural for tooth enamel to wear away as people age. This makes teeth more vulnerable to damage and decay. Regardless of whether you have lost some or all your teeth due to decay, or other causes like accidents, or injury, dentures may be the ideal solution. Keeping teeth structurally healthy is vital to maintaining oral health, and dentures may help you here. It is critical to understand the current state of one's teeth to select the best denture fit. Read on to learn more about choosing between partial and full dentures.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made detachable replacements for missing teeth and gums. Replacing missing teeth with partial or complete dentures gives you a sparkling smile and allows you to chew and speak more comfortably.
Issues Caused by Missing Teeth
There are various issues that anyone who loses one or more adult permanent teeth may face:
- You may find it difficult to speak easily.
- Missing a tooth might make it difficult to chew certain meals, resulting in significant dietary adjustments. This can have a negative impact on one's general health because foods that are the most difficult to chew, such as almonds and apples, have the highest nutritious value.
- The teeth on both sides of a gap will lean in toward the empty space over time.
- Crooked teeth are not only more difficult to clean, but they can interfere with one's bite.
Choosing Between Partial and Full Dentures
Understanding the differences between full and partial dentures is critical in assisting a patient in making an informed decision. Though both forms of dentures achieve the same outcome, they address different issues.
When to Choose Full Dentures?
Full dentures are the best option when a patient has few or no natural teeth left. They are especially useful if the patient has multiple heavily decayed teeth or lacks intraoral tissue. A patient with a few natural teeth can consult a dentist about having them extracted and replaced with full dentures, or they can try partial dentures instead.
When to Choose Partial Dentures?
If a patient still has some natural teeth, they may be a candidate for partial dentures. Instead of replacing all teeth inside the mouth, partial dentures fill in the gaps left by missing teeth. Denture gum and teeth color are matched to the patient's natural ones. The dentures are then attached to the remaining teeth. While partial dentures can help with structural issues that impact bite and speech, they are also a great way to fill in gaps in a smile.
The simplest way to decide between dentures or partial dentures is to consult with a dentist. Every individual has unique requirements, and a dentist can advise you on the best course of action. Dentures are simple to care for and require minimal upkeep.
Please visit Dearborn Family Smiles to learn more about dentures and which one fits you best. We are a devoted team of specialists who provide exceptional family dentistry services. Book an appointment to come one step closer to having happy and healthy teeth.