Dentures are useful solutions to help people replace missing teeth, whether the teeth were lost due to tooth decay, were knocked out, or for other reasons. There are several denture options; your dentist can discuss which one is right for you.
Replace Missing Teeth
Dentures are dental appliances used for replacing missing teeth. These appliances are artificial, replacement teeth attached to a metal frame that attaches to neighboring teeth, or to dental implants if there are no suitable healthy teeth to attach to. Dentures, commonly called false teeth, are tooth-coloured and look natural, helping people eat and speak better as well as offering other benefits.
Process
After a consultation to see if dentures are the right teeth replacement option for you, your dentist will measure your jaws and take impressions of your bite. These are sent to a lab to create your custom-made dentures from. When they are ready, your dentist will have you come back in to fit and adjust properly, so they work well and are comfortable.
Types of Dentures
There are complete and partial dentures, and implant-supported dentures, also known as implant-retained dentures. Some dentures are fixed, or permanent, while other dentures are removable.
Complete dentures
Full dentures, which are also referred to as complete dentures, come in upper and lower sets. These are removable dentures that replace all of your teeth on your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. The artificial teeth are usually porcelain or acrylic, and attached to the metal framework.
These dentures sit on your gums, using suction to hold them. Denture adhesive helps keep them secured and prevents food or debris from getting underneath them.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are similar to complete dentures, but only replace a few missing teeth. You can get an upper or lower partial denture to fill your gap.
Temporary Dentures (Immediate Dentures)
Temporary dentures, or immediate dentures, may be given to you as a temporary measure until your permanent dentures are ready and fitted. These help you return to normal eating and speaking while you wait. They can also get you used to wearing dentures, or to protect sensitive gums from an extraction or other issue, to help them heal.
Implant-Supported (Retained) Dentures
Implant-supported dentures can be either partial or complete. They can be more secure than conventional dentures. Dental implants are posts that are surgically inserted into your jawbone. After the healing process from the post being implanted, a false tooth, or crown, is attached to the post. Implant-supported dentures attach directly to these crowns.
You can have a fixed denture, or have snap-in dentures, where the crowns snap on and off of the dental implants.
Flexible Dentures
Flexible dentures are a variety of partial dentures that are made of a thin thermoplastic resin material which is softer and more flexible than the rigid materials used in conventional dentures. They are more comfortable and less likely to irritate gums.
Dental Bridges
A fixed bridge replaces missing teeth by attaching the false tooth or teeth to the remaining natural teeth on either side, if those teeth are strong and healthy enough.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures replace missing teeth, so you can eat and speak more easily again, which is critical, but they do offer other benefits, too.
Look Like Natural Teeth
If you are concerned about the look of a gap in your teeth, dentures offer the look of natural teeth.
Comfortable
Although getting used to wearing dentures can take a couple of weeks, this discomfort soon goes away, and, if well-fitted, will be very comfortable.
Dental Implants
Getting dentures is less invasive than getting a dental implant; the denture procedure for is quicker and more straightforward, and no healing period is required.
Hold Remaining Natural Teeth in Place
When you have missing teeth, the remaining natural teeth can start to shift towards the gap, causing alignment issues. They can also start to become loose and fall out. With dentures, your natural teeth remain in the proper position.
Improve Facial Sagging
Dentures offer structure to your facial muscles and can reduce or reverse facial sagging.
Proper Care
Taking care of your dentures will maximize their benefits and help them last a long time. Proper care for dentures include soaking them overnight and using a denture brush daily to gently brush away debris and bacteria. Be sure to still brush your gums, tongue, and cheeks, as well as any remaining teeth, for good oral hygiene. You should also remove dentures after eating to rinse them off. Don’t wear dentures overnight, unless advised to by your dentist.
Dentistry on Wellington offers both fixed and removable dentures services conveniently at our office. If you have missing teeth, we can discuss the best options for you.
Dr. Thapar is a highly skilled and passionate dentist who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his practice in Toronto. With a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree specializing in Health Services Management from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business and a dental degree from the prestigious University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, he is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to his patients.
During the initial years of his career, Dr. Thapar served under serviced areas in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), gaining valuable experience and contributing to improving oral health in underserved communities. Now, he is excited to bring his enthusiasm and commitment to excellence to the heart of Toronto in the St. Lawrence Market Neighborhood.
Dr. Thapar is a proud member of several esteemed professional organizations, including the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, the Ontario Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Tau Tau Chapter, which places him in the top 10% of graduating dentists of his class. Membership in these organizations reflects his dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry and providing his patients with the highest quality of care.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Thapar is an avid sports fan, particularly supporting the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Raptors. When he’s not in the office, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children, creating cherished memories together.
With his exceptional qualifications, commitment to community service, and passion for dentistry, Dr. Thapar is dedicated to delivering personalized and compassionate dental care to the residents of Toronto. Patients can trust in his expertise and expect a comfortable and enjoyable dental experience under his care.