If you are missing one, several, or most of your teeth, you might be wondering what you can do to bring back the beauty of your smile. One of your choices is dentures, a custom-fitted appliance that replaces your missing teeth.
Depending on your oral care needs, your dentist will suggest full or partial dentures. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about dentures, including the differences between full and partial dentures.
Why do I need dentures?
Dentures replace teeth lost from decay, trauma, or disease. There are many reasons why it’s important to fill gaps in your mouth that are left by missing teeth.
When you lose teeth, it becomes more difficult to do functional tasks, like chewing food and communicating verbally. Dentures allow you to bite and chew foods so you can meet your body’s nutritional needs. They help you continue to pronounce words and sounds properly.
There are also aesthetic benefits. Gaps between teeth cause the jaw to shift, and if you have lost all your teeth, you are likely to notice sagging. Fortunately, dentures help bring back the natural beauty of your smile so you can feel more confident.
What type of dentures do I need?
Your dentist will make a recommendation for full dentures or partial dentures based on the number of teeth you have lost.
Full Dentures
If you have lost all of your teeth, you’ll likely need full dentures. This artificial, removable appliance will replace all of your teeth so you can eat and communicate better. You’ll also notice improvements in your smile, and because they are made to closely resemble your natural teeth, you’ll feel confident in how you look.
Partial Dentures
If you have only lost a few of your teeth, partial dentures are a functional and cosmetic way to create artificial replacements. Partial dentures fill the gaps left by missing teeth and attach to the surrounding teeth with clasps or precision attachments.
How do I care for full or partial dentures?
Follow your dentist’s guidelines for keeping your mouth and your dentures clean. You might also need to visit the dentist periodically to make adjustments to your dentures so they continue to fit well and look their best.
Contact Us Today!
We have several customizable solutions for your full or partial denture needs. Contact Howl Dental today to schedule a consultation and restore your smile.