Today we are going to cover the various denture-related treatment options that exist at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry. Did you know that there are more than 35 million Americans who do not have any teeth at all and over 170 million people who are missing at least one tooth? According to the American College of Prosthodontists, the number of people with missing teeth is expected to increase over the next twenty years. At Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, we are committed to our patients and offer many treatment options for missing teeth. Our blog serves as a powerful dental education tool for our patients. If you have multiple missing teeth or no teeth at all and are interested in treatment options to replace them, please contact us at any time electronically or call (904)285-7711.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Tooth loss usually happens as a result gum disease or tooth decay, but can also take place due to injury or illness. Loss of a single tooth or multiple teeth may lead to difficulty chewing and eating or speech problems. When you lose all of your teeth, your facial appearance may change and your facial muscles can sag. Replacement of missing teeth can improve appearance and esthetics and also help with nutrition and speaking.
Types of Dentures
Conventional Complete Dentures
These are the traditional type of dentures that most people think about when they hear the word dentures. They are created for patients who have no more remaining teeth. They are created out of a pink plastic designed to match the color of the gums. Tooth-colored plastic or porcelain is used to replace the teeth. These are custom-made by your dentist to follow the exact contours of the upper and lower jaws. Complete dentures are worn during the day and removed at nighttime. Over time, your jaw contours may change and these often times have to be adjusted or remade.
Removable Partial Dentures
A partial denture is designed for patients who are missing some, but not all, of their teeth. It is smaller than a conventional denture because it does not replace as many teeth. It may have a metal base inside it that has clasps on it that attach it to the other teeth in your mouth and keep it from falling out. Like a conventional denture, it has pink plastic designed to match the color of the gums and tooth-colored plastic or porcelain to replace the missing teeth.
Implant Supported Dentures
Due to recent technological advances in the dental industry, implant-retained dentures have become an excellent treatment option for patients with missing teeth who have had difficulties with the fit or function of traditional dentures. An overdenture is designed to snap onto implants that are placed in your jaw. It is still removed at nighttime like a conventional denture. The other type of implant-supported denture is a hybrid. A hybrid is screwed into implants and is a much more secure solution. It has to be removed every 6 months by your dentist or dental hygienist for a professional cleaning. Please see the video below for more information on the overdenture.
If you are missing multiple teeth or all of your teeth, dentures may be a great treatment option for you. Additionally, if you have dentures now and are unhappy with them, we would be happy to help you. If you live in the Ponte Vedra Beach area or a surrounding community, feel free to contact us any time electronically or call us at (904)285-7711.