In our last blog, we focused on dental bridges, a prosthetic that addresses between one and three missing teeth in a row. But what if you’ve lost more teeth, and in several places spread out across your smile? What if nearly all of your teeth are gone? Find out how your Mansfield, TX, dentists address these issues with a set of dentures.
What Causes Advanced Tooth Loss?
We may lose teeth due to a number of factors, such as injury or a serious dental infection. However, the most common cause is actually gum disease. In the advanced stages, gum disease could cause the tissues that connect the gum and teeth to deteriorate, leading to tooth loss. Over time, missing teeth cause the jawbone tissue to begin to break down, furthering the rate of tooth loss until, as studies from the American Association or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons show, by age 74 over 26% of us have lost all of our natural teeth. In order to help slow the rate of jawbone loss and restore function and beauty to your smile, you may need a prosthetic.
Partial Dentures
If you’ve lost a number of teeth spread out across the arch, but not a majority of them, then you may benefit from a partial. The partial contains your replacement teeth set in an acrylic base that looks like gum tissue. Metal clasps attach to the natural teeth and secure your new ones in place. This option is removeable and will need to be soaked and cleaned regularly. With proper care and attention, it could last between 5 and 10 years before requiring replacement.
Full Dentures
If you have lost all of your teeth, or a vast majority of them, then you need a full. The prosthetic will again contain an acrylic base, but will also have a full row of new teeth. Instead of clasps, suction will hold them in place and you may also use special adhesives for greater security. As with partials, they last about 5 to 10 years on average, as they need replacement once the shape of the jaw ridge changes. Both options will be created based on detailed impressions we take of your smile, and the teeth will be made from materials such as ceramic, which is not only strong and durable, but can be shaded to blend with the color of surrounding teeth. We also take your facial structure into account, as we want your new smile to look natural! If you have any questions, then please contact our team today.
Does Your Smile Need a Prosthetic?
Even if you’ve lost every one of your natural teeth, we can help restore your smile with a custom and lifelike denture. If you would like to schedule a consultation, then call Mansfield Dental Associates at 817-473-6227.
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