If you are missing all or some of your natural teeth, you may be considering partial or complete dentures. Either of them is a good option for tooth replacement. Dentures are an affordable option for replacing teeth and they have a long history of success. It’s a personal decision and dentures are customized specifically for each patient. Dr. Edwin Kim can help you decide which option is best for you.
Benefits of Full Dentures vs Partial Dentures
Dentures are basically prosthetic teeth that are custom-made for each individual. There are a lot of options including full dentures, partial dentures, flexible partials, and dental implant-supported dentures. Your San Pablo dentist can help you with the process of choosing what’s best for you, but it’s good to be aware of your options.
Benefits of Full Dentures
For those with no teeth or very few salvageable teeth, full dentures are usually recommended. Full dentures help restore your oral health and fill out your face. Facial features tend to appear sunken when natural teeth are removed or gone. This improves your appearance and helps you look younger and healthier. Full dentures are also great for restoring your ability to eat a wide variety of foods which helps improve your overall health.
Benefits of Partial Dentures
Partials are used to replace a single tooth or a few missing teeth. They are less expensive than full dentures. Partials help restore your mouth’s aesthetic appearance and fill in gaps in your smile. Talk to Dr. Kim about same-day dentures. Having partial dentures helps protect the health of remaining natural teeth. Prosthetic teeth help hold natural teeth in place and keep them from weakening or shifting. They also help prevent overuse of one side of the mouth which can cause wear and damage over time.
Are there alternatives to dentures?
A dental professional at San Pablo Dental Care may recommend dental implants, a dental bridge, or overdentures as an alternative to conventional dentures. Dr. Edwin Kim can examine your gums and explain alternatives so you can make the best decision.
- Dental Implants – Dental implants are a long-term, durable option. They are surgically implanted so they look and feel more like your natural teeth.
- Dental Bridges – A dental bridge consists of a prosthetic tooth held in place by crowns or implants on either side.
- Overdentures – When someone has lost all or most of their teeth, overdentures may be a good option. Conventional dentures are held in place with adhesive, while overdentures are held in place by remaining teeth or implants. This makes them more secure and stable. They won’t move during talking and chewing and help prevent bone loss in the jawbone.
Will Dentures Make Me Look Different?
In short, dentures may make you look different by changing the shape of your face. But if you had missing teeth or had ill-fitting dentures before visiting your San Pablo, CA dentist, your looks may just change for the better. A new set of dentures may have a dramatic change in your appearance. They will keep your facial muscles from sagging and prevent a sunken appearance often caused by missing teeth. When your dentures fit well, your face will be proportioned just right. You may look more youthful and healthier.
Considering Partial Dentures
No matter how many missing teeth you have, the gaps left behind can cause issues. Even losing a single tooth can affect your appearance and your mouth’s functionality. Partial dentures are a cost-effective option if you need to fill a gap. Using partials quickly restores your smile and your chewing ability. They also keep your remaining natural teeth from sliding into the gap left behind. Keeping your natural teeth in place increases your chances of keeping them healthy. Dental implants can be used to support partial dentures too.
How long does it take to get dentures?
Most of the time, you can have immediate dentures placed after your teeth are extracted. You’ll get these the same day your teeth have been pulled. These immediate dentures are just temporary tooth replacements. You’ll be able to wear them until your new dentures arrive. Prior to your tooth extractions, Dr.Kim will make impressions of your mouth and gums. It can take a few weeks to get your regular dentures. They may need to be fitted and refitted a few times as your gums change shape and adjust to the lack of teeth. Partial dentures don’t take as long to make, and you don’t have to wait as long for the gums to heal before they are placed.
Contact Us
If you have questions about partial or full dentures or tooth extractions, call us to schedule a consultation. Dr. Kim will be happy to answer all of your questions and help you decide which tooth replacement option is right for you.
