Tooth loss is a common problem for aging patients.
Missing teeth can change the way you eat and speak and also alter the shape of your face. At Robinson Dental, we can create natural-looking that restore your smile, support your facial structure, and get you back to eating the foods you love most.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are an economical tooth replacement option for many patients. They are removable, which makes for easy cleaning of both your dentures and your gums. It’s important to clean both regularly to preserve your gum health and prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria. There are a few different types of dentures that we offer at Robinson Dental.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. These are ideal for patients who have lost most of their teeth and will lose the rest in time due to age or poor oral health. Occasionally, you will need to have remaining teeth extracted before you can be fitted with full dentures.
Partial Dentures
In some cases, only a few specific teeth need to be replaced with prosthetics or dentures. We can fit you with removable partial dentures that comfortably fill the spaces in your dental profile. We might recommend partial dentures for patients who are only missing a few teeth in cases where the remaining teeth are healthy and strong.
Implant-Supported Dentures
We’re proud to offer specially-designed implant-supported dentures that work alongside your existing dental implants to restore your teeth to their optimal functionality. Implant-supported dentures don’t slip or move around, so you don’t have to worry about embarrassing moments or constant adjustments as you chew, smile, and talk.
Dentures vs Dental Implants
Both dental implants and dentures have the ability to . However, your experience with dental implants will be different from that with dentures. That’s because of how both of these tooth replacement options work.
In the case of the dental implant procedure, the doctor inserts a titanium alloy post into the jawbone. Over the course of several months, this implant fuses to the jawbone tissue during a process called osseointegration. At that point, the implant becomes the perfect foundation for an abutment and crown.
Since a dental implant is embedded in the jawbone, your replacement tooth will remain stable as you eat, talk, smile, and laugh. With dentures, you may experience occasional slippage due to the fact that the appliance rests on top of your gums. To discreetly correct slipping dentures, you’ll need to bite down gently and swallow. This will discreetly move your back in place.
Bone Loss in the Jaw
As soon as you lose a tooth, your body starts to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. If left untreated, jawbone deterioration can lead to a condition called facial collapse. Facial collapse can alter the appearance of your face so it looks more sunken. It can also make it more uncomfortable or difficult to continue wearing dentures.
Dentures don’t prevent bone loss in the jaw because they sit on top of the gums. However, since dental implants replace the function of a natural tooth root, it can trick your body into thinking your tooth is still there.
Expected Lifespan
A dental implant can last for a lifetime with proper care. However, you’ll need to replace the dental crown that sits on top as needed. In general, a dental crown that’s kept in good condition may last between 10 and 15 years. To get the full use of your dental crown, you should continue to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth every day.
In comparison, full dentures tend to last between 5 and 10 years. Partial dentures may last up to 15 years with proper maintenance and dental hygiene. Keep in mind that you may need our dentists to adjust the fit of your dentures as your jaw naturally shrinks over time.
Talk to an Robinson Dental expert about Dentures
Our dentists can’t wait to help you restore your smile. If you're interested in Dentures, please feel free to reach out to any of our offices in the Grand Rapids area: Cascade MI, Coopersville MI, Caledonia MI, or Wayland MI. You can also call us at 1-888-WE-C-U-NOW, or request an appointment on our appointment scheduling page. We hope to hear from you soon!
