Posted

If you are considering dentures, you may be confused by the many options available to you. How do you know which type of dentures is the right one for you? If you are trying to decide between traditional and implant supported dentures, or if you want to learn more about full and partial dentures, your Mansfield, TX dentist will help you choose the best tooth replacement option for you. Before you make your appointment, however, test your knowledge of dentures with our quick quiz.

The Quiz

  1. True or False: If you still have some healthy teeth, you are not a candidate for dentures.
  2. True or False: Missing teeth affect your overall health, as well as your appearance.
  3. Can you still receive implant-supported dentures if you have a compromised jawbone structure?
  4. How long do dentures last?

The Answers

  1. False. If you are missing several adjacent teeth but still have a number of healthy teeth, you may be an excellent candidate for partial dentures. These dentures are comprised of synthetic teeth that rest on a plastic base. The dentures attach to the surrounding teeth using metal clasps or precision attachments. The teeth immediately flanking the partial dentures may need to be crowned, but the rest of your teeth will be unaffected by the restoration. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris also offer implant-supported partial dentures, which attach to permanent implant posts in your gums. These dentures typically offer greater stability and a more lifelike appearance than traditional partial dentures.
  2. True. Missing teeth can have an enormous impact on your dental and physical health. When you are missing teeth, your other teeth shift to fill in the gap. Eventually, all of your teeth will move out of alignment. As your teeth move, they will be more difficult to access, and you will have an increased risk for dental decay and gum disease. A misaligned bite can also put stress on your temporomandibular joints, leading to jaw pain and TMD. Finally, when you are missing teeth, your jaw bone will begin to recede, giving your face a shrunken look. While traditional dentures replace the teeth and can prevent your remaining teeth from shifting, they cannot stop the degeneration of your jawbone. Implants, on the other hand, replace the roots as well as the teeth, and they can actually help to regenerate jawbone volume.
  3. Yes! If you have already lost some volume in your jawbone, you may still be a candidate for mini dental implants. These implant posts are much smaller than traditional implant posts (typically about 2mm in diameter.) They can also be placed at an angle, meaning they can fit in smaller areas of the bone. Despite their smaller size, they still provide a stable, permanent base for implant-supported dentures.
  4. Traditional dentures typically last five to seven years. Because your jaw will lose volume and change shape, your synthetic teeth will begin to get loose, so you will need to replace or readjust them periodically. On the other hand, with proper care, implant-supported dentures can last the rest of your life. Because they protect your jawbone, you will not have to worry about getting your new teeth adjusted later down the road.

About Mansfield Dental Associates:

At Mansfield Dental Associates, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris share the same vision and philosophy when it comes to patient care. We provide thorough, compassionate prosthetic dental services including traditional dentures and MDI denture stabilization. Contact our Mansfield, TX general dentist office at 817-473-6227 to schedule your next appointment. We proudly treat patients in Fort Worth, Arlington, Crowley, Burleson, and the surrounding areas.