Dentures are dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and restore oral function and aesthetics. There are several reasons why you might require a full set of dentures for your situation. Woodside Denture Centre offers a Free Denture Consultation to see what the best solution is for you. Today, we give 10 reasons why you may require denture, as well as several alternatives to a full denture.
1. Extensive Tooth Loss:
- If you have lost a significant number of teeth due to decay, gum disease, or injury, denture may be recommended to restore your ability to chew and speak.
2. Complete Tooth Loss in One or Both Arches:
- When all or most of your natural teeth are missing in either the upper or lower jaw, complete denture (full denture) may be recommended to replace all of the teeth in that arch.
3. Partial Tooth Loss:
- If you have only lost some of your teeth, partial dentures may be recommended. These replace multiple missing teeth and are attached to your natural teeth or dental implants.
4. Difficulty in Chewing and Speaking:
- Severe tooth loss can impact your ability to chew food properly and speak clearly. Denture can restore these functions, improving your overall quality of life.
5. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease):
- Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss. In such cases, dentures may be considered to replace the missing teeth and restore oral function.
6. Traumatic Injury:
- Accidents or injuries that result in the loss of multiple teeth may necessitate the use of denture to replace the missing teeth.
7. Failed Restorative Treatments:
- If other restorative dental treatments (such as crowns or bridges) are not viable options or have not been successful, dentures may be considered.
8. Economic Considerations:
- In some cases, the cost of repairing and maintaining natural teeth may become prohibitive. Denture can be a more cost-effective solution for individuals with extensive dental problems.
9. Medical Conditions:
- Certain medical conditions, medications, or treatments (such as chemotherapy) can impact oral health and lead to tooth loss, making dentures a suitable solution.
10. Cosmetic Concerns:
- Individuals who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their teeth, especially if they are severely damaged or stained, may choose denture for cosmetic reasons.
It’s important to note that the decision to get dentures is a collaborative one. Woodside Denture Centre will assess your oral health, consider your specific needs and preferences, and discuss the available options with you.
In some cases, full dentures are not required, and there are several alternatives to full denture, and the choice of treatment depends on the specific circumstances of each individual. Here are some common alternatives:
1. Partial Dentures:
- If you have only lost some of your teeth, partial dentures may be recommended. These appliances replace multiple missing teeth and are usually secured to your natural teeth with clasps or precision attachments.
2. Dental Bridges:
- Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that replace one or more missing teeth. They are anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Unlike denture, bridges are not removable.
3. Dental Implants:
- Dental implants are a more permanent and stable solution for tooth replacement. Implants involve the surgical placement of titanium posts into the jawbone, which then support artificial teeth (crowns, bridges, or dentures). Implants provide excellent stability and function.
4. Implant-Supported Dentures:
- This option combines the stability of dental implants with the affordability of denture. Implant-supported denture are anchored to dental implants, providing improved stability compared to traditional denture.
5. All-on-4 or All-on-6:
- This is a specific type of implant-supported denture that uses four or six implants to support a full arch of teeth. It’s a popular option for those who want the stability of implants without the need for individual implants for each missing tooth.
6. Removable Flexible Partial Dentures:
- These partial denture are made of flexible materials that provide a more comfortable fit. They are typically more aesthetic and less noticeable than traditional metal-based partial dentures.
7. Resin-Bonded Bridges (Maryland Bridges):
- This type of bridge is a conservative alternative to traditional bridges, involving minimal alteration of adjacent teeth. It is often used to replace missing front teeth.
8. Overdentures:
- Overdentures are removable dentures that fit over remaining natural teeth or dental implants. They provide increased stability compared to traditional dentures.
9. Mini Implants:
- Mini implants are smaller and less invasive than traditional dental implants. They can be used to stabilize dentures, providing additional support.
10. Orthodontic Treatment:
- In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be an option to correct misalignments and improve the positioning of existing teeth.
The choice between these alternatives depends on factors such as the number of missing teeth, the condition of existing teeth, oral health, budget, and personal preferences. Reach out to our team at Woodside Denture Centre to book your free denture consultation today and find out which solution is best for you.