Dentures have been around since as early as 7 BC, when the early Etruscans made teeth fastened with gold bands and bone. But it wasn’t until the 16th century in Japan when the first full dentures were made, likened out of wood. The Japanese made a mold of beeswax from the patient needing dentures and then carved the wood to those specifications. Later, the wood was replaced with ivory, animal horn, pagodite, or even human teeth. The more modern porcelain denture set wasn’t made until 1770 by Alexis Duchateau. You can see we’ve come a long way in dental health since then, but dentures are still a staple of dental care. They can restore functionality to your teeth and improve their look and feel. This is why the team at Lovett Dental North Heights makes dentures a part of our general dental practice.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are teeth replacements that commonly are called “false teeth.” They have several uses, such as helping the user chew and can help give the face a more natural look and the presence of teeth. Dentures can also help with pronunciation and boost your self-esteem. It gives a better appearance to the wearer and gives confidence for a better smile and better speech. This, in turn, can help the individual in social situations.
People lose their teeth for several reasons, from disease or conditions such as periodontitis or tooth decay to dental trauma where the teeth can become damaged, loosened, or knocked out. No matter what led to the tooth’s loss, or whether it was a conscious choice to remove diseased teeth, dentures can be a great alternative to continue to live with a healthier mouth.
There are two separate types of dentures you may get: complete (or full) and partial.
Complete or Full Dentures
Complete dentures, also known as full dentures, are ones that simulate the natural mouth and replicate the gums. Full dentures are both upper and lower sets that replace every tooth after they have all been removed. They have a colored synthetic base and either acrylic or porcelain teeth. They are held firmly in place by special mouth adhesives as they sit on top of the gums or can be held with dental implants. Complete dentures are more expensive than partials, and the dental implant variation also adds to the price but are more structurally sound. These also give the wearer the most natural look after they have their bad teeth removed. Complete sets are usually done 8-12 weeks after total mouth extractions to give the gums time to heal properly.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are those with an acrylic or metal framework that support the mouth and replace only teeth that have been removed while leaving the other teeth intact. Partials can be done on the upper or lower part of the mouth. These have clasps and dental rests that keep everything in place. Plastic or acrylic is a great choice for temporary or emergency replacements, while metal is more rigid and strong for everyday wear. The market has material like Valplast that gives a flexible option for those unhappy with metal or plastic options.
Denture fittings go beyond the first appointment, as many who choose to wear them will need adjustments to find the perfect fit. During this period of adjustment, it is important not to give up on the process and see it to the finish. Once the proper fit has been found, you simply need to maintain them to keep the dentures in great condition.
Find What You Need at Lovett Dental North Heights
If you’d like to learn more about dental denture options and which are right for you or would like to talk about your dental health needs, Lovett Dental North Heights is here for you. From the initial consultation to go over costs, fits, maintenance, and dental health, Lovett Dental North Heights puts your needs as its top priority. Contact us today at 832-617-5531.