Gaps in the mouth left by missing teeth are not only unsightly, but they can make it difficult to eat and speak properly. Furthermore, the surrounding teeth can also shift over time to fill in the space left by missing teeth. This can disturb both the function and look of your smile. For these reasons, many people opt to replace their missing teeth with various types of dental restorations.
One common option associated with missing teeth is dentures. Dentures are false teeth supported by a plastic base that blends in with the gums. They can be fabricated using a variety of materials, which can affect their appearance. Cosmetic dentures use specialized materials to replace missing teeth and restore function all while improving the aesthetics of your smile.
There are two main choices for cosmetic dentures: traditional or implant-supported. Traditional cosmetic dentures are removable and sit on top of the gum tissue. Implant-supported cosmetic dentures are attached to and supported by a series of dental implants that are placed inside the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures have certain benefits over traditional cosmetic dentures, however, they require a certain amount of bone mass in the jaw to be placed.
Here are three reasons why you should consider cosmetic dentures:
They Look Amazing
Cosmetic dentures have a slightly different appearance when compared to traditional dentures. For starters, cosmetic dentures are fabricated using high-quality materials that are visually comparable to natural teeth, resist stains, are less likely to distort, and resist wear. In most cases, traditional dentures used acrylics. While acrylics are an inexpensive, easy dental material to work with, they are prone to staining, lack a lifelike appearance, wear down quickly, and can easily warp.
Cosmetic dentures are also fabricated by highly skilled technicians that specialize in cosmetic dentistry. This means that they will pay attention to the subtleties of color, translucency, and shape that will make your smile look amazing and natural.
Preserve Bone Mass
Implant-supported cosmetic dentures are able to preserve the jawbone and prevent bone loss. This is because the implant screws supporting the denture act as artificial tooth roots that provide the same type of stimulation as natural tooth roots. In order to maintain its bone mass, the jaw needs to have adequate stimulation from chewing and biting. Otherwise, the body will start absorbing the bone for use elsewhere in the body. This is a process called bone resorption. Bone resorption can eventually cause traditional cosmetic dentures to not fit as well, and can also cause the entire face to change shape. The fact that implant-supported cosmetic dentures preserve the jawbone is one main benefit they have over traditional cosmetic dentures.
Maintain Proper Function
Both types of cosmetic dentures help to restore and maintain proper function. With traditional cosmetic dentures, there may be a brief adjustment period when they are first placed. During this period, eating and speaking may seem difficult, however, once you have adapted to your new dentures things will get much easier. Once you have learned how to use your cheek and tongue muscles in coordination with your cosmetic dentures, you will be able to speak and eat properly.
Implant-supported dentures can also restore speaking and eating functions, however, they make it easier to eat just about anything, while traditional dentures may have certain dietary restrictions. Additionally, implant-supported dentures do not slip like traditional dentures.
Overall, cosmetic dentures can replace missing teeth with an aesthetically-pleasing option that allows for proper speaking and eating function. Implant-supported cosmetic dentures can even preserve bone mass. Ultimately, however, you will need to schedule a consultation with the top cosmetic dentist in Wellington to determine which option is best for you.
