Dentures and Dental Implants

Dentures and dental implants are an ideal solution to replacing missing teeth.

What are dentures?

Dentures, also known as false teeth, are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and which are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable, however there are many different denture designs, some which rely on bonding or clasping onto teeth or dental implants.

There are two main categories of dentures, depending on whether they are used to replace missing teeth on the mandibular arch or the maxillary arch, and whether they are only partial of full.

Replacing missing teeth helps to distribute the chewing load across the other teeth, because in the long term the teeth that are remaining end up cracking and collapsing due the other missing teeth. Another important factor is that posterior teeth act as pillars in holding the airway open, and with fewer teeth breathing may be influenced while sleeping.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots, or a screw, made from titanium. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. The case selection or patient’s circumstances for the implant are crucial for success and has to be carefully planned.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult.