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April 8, 2022Tooth loss can significantly influence one’s appearance and quality of life. That is why it is essential to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Removable dentures in Houston are a reliable, time-tested, and cost-effective option for replacing missing teeth. If you have lost one or more teeth and you’re wondering whether removable dentures are a suitable option, this article is for you. So, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about dentures as a tooth replacement option.
What are Dentures?
According to the American Dental Association, dentures are removable appliances used to replace a single, multiple, or all teeth missing in a jaw. Removable dentures rest on the oral soft tissues and gain their support from the neighboring healthy teeth.
What are Different Types of Dentures?
There are two main types of dentures, based on the number of teeth they replace.
1. Partial Dentures
These dentures are used for replacing one more tooth. The denture base is usually gum-colored (pink) acrylic resin or a metal framework coated with acrylic resin. The false teeth used with partial dentures are made of tooth-colored acrylic resin or ceramic. These dentures rely on the underlying soft tissues and jawbone and the healthy adjacent teeth for their support. In addition, partial dentures contain metallic extensions called clasps that encircle the supporting teeth and provide retention to the appliance.
2. Complete Dentures
These dentures are used when one has lost all their teeth in a jaw. Since no supporting teeth are available, complete dentures rely entirely on the underlying soft tissues and jawbone for their support and retention. Full dentures are made from gum-colored acrylic resin, while the false teeth are made of tooth-colored ceramic or acrylic resin.
How are Dentures Fabricated?
The fabrication of dentures Houston is a multi-stage process that requires more than one sitting. During the first appointment, your dentist will perform a clinical examination and evaluate the x-ray images of your teeth and study models to prepare a treatment plan. During the next step, they will make impressions of your teeth and send them to the laboratory for preparing tooth models. Next, the artificial teeth will be placed into the vacant spaces on the tooth models using dental wax. This wax pattern will then undergo several steps to be converted into acrylic or metal appliance. Once your dentist receives the prepared dentures, they will try them on you to check the fit and esthetics. If everything is alright, they teach you how to wear and remove your dentures and care for them. On the other hand, if any minor modifications are needed, they can be done at the dental chairside. Additional steps are required for the fabrication of complete mouth dentures.
What are the Pros and Cons of Dentures?
Removable dentures offer the following advantages:
- Cost-effective tooth replacement option
- Dentures can be easily repaired or relined when needed
- Restore one’s facial esthetics and smile
- Restore one’s ability to speak without difficulty
- Boost one’s self-confidence and removes the social awkwardness of having missing teeth
Despite their advantages, removable dentures also have some disadvantages:
- Removable dentures, especially acrylic-based dentures, are brittle and tend to fracture easily if dropped accidentally
- Removable dentures tend to get stained easily with common foods and drinks
- Removable dentures are not long-lasting and require frequent repair or replacement
- Dentures do not sufficiently restore eating capability compared to other tooth replacement options such as bridges and dental implants.
Don’t let your missing teeth come in the way of your self-confidence! If you are looking for a reliable tooth replacement option, removable dentures Houston are excellent. So, visit your dentist today and get your missing teeth replaced with removable dentures.