You can still remember how your grandmother’s dentures used to look, bulky and unnatural. You also recall how they would occasionally fall out of her mouth. She would be so embarrassed. You vowed then that you would never wear dentures and endure that kind of shame. But now you are suffering from tooth loss yourself. You need some solutions. Your dentist in Tyler says that dentures may be a good option. He also wants you to know what has changed over the years. Learn about the different facets of prosthetics, and discover which option is best for you.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable prosthetics that are made from either porcelain or resin. Here are the pros and cons of each:
- Appearance – Porcelain looks closer to your normal teeth, as they are translucent like just like they are.
- Feel – Porcelain teeth are also easier to adapt to because they feel closer to your natural teeth than their resin counterparts.
- Longevity – In this category, porcelain wins too, because of the way they are heated during fabrication, which makes them considerably harder.
- Breakability – Although porcelain dentures are durable, they are also prone to breaking if they fall out of your mouth and hit the floor.
- Wear – The resin alternatives cause less wear to your natural teeth when you bite down because they’re not as hard as porcelain. Porcelain is only recommended for full dentures because of that.
The Framework of Dentures
Dentures require a framework to support them. This is called a full or partial plate, which can be made from a rigid acrylic resin or flexible polymer.
The process begins with your dentist taking an impression of your gums to create a mold. The mold is then used to create a wax model to which the teeth are added. Next, the model is tested in your mouth to ensure that it will be suitable in size and color, and for the formation of a plate that fits snugly in your mouth.
You are now set up with a new pair of removable dentures, but there is still another category to consider, implant-supported dentures.
What is an Implant-Supported Denture?
An implant-supported denture fits on top of the dental implants, which are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Instead of removing your dentures each night to clean them, your implant-supported set will be permanently fixed to the implants. You will clean your new teeth just like you would your normal ones, and there’s no need for plates and wax moldings of your gums. Your implant-supported dentures will look just like normal teeth in your mouth.
Contact your dentist for more information on these different options and to find out which will work best for you.
About the Author
A graduate of the Baylor College of Dentistry in 1974, Dennis E. Stansbury, DDS is certified in Oral Conscious Sedation and a member of several dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Ark-La-Tex Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association and many more. He practices at Stansbury Dental and can be reached for more information through his website.