Options for Replacing Missing Teeth: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Dentures

Dentures are a well-known option for replacing missing teeth that are often given a bad reputation in their reliability. We have all watched the childhood film, where the elderly character has their dentures fall out of their mouth at the dinner table. While this exaggerated age-old misconception is based on legitimate concerns of denture wearing, many people have found long-term success with denture use.

Dentures are removable dental appliances made to replace a series of, or individual, missing teeth. They can be constructed as full dentures to replace an entire jawline of teeth or as partial dentures to replace a smaller series of missing teeth; based on the need of the wearer. When deciding whether dentures are the option for replacing missing teeth that are right for you, there are pros and cons that should be taken into consideration:

Pros of wearing dentures:

  • While they can vary in the number of teeth included, from a full set of teeth to a partial set, or even an individual tooth, all can help provide you with a fully functional set of teeth.
  • Custom-fit and designed to provide comfort and a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing set of teeth.
  • Promote more normal function when speaking and chewing.
  • Partial dentures can help prevent the shifting of remaining natural teeth due to open space along the jawline from missing teeth.
  • Can help decrease the rate of bone loss from missing teeth, helping maintain jaw strength and natural facial structure.
  • Removable for proper cleaning of both the dental appliance and the area of the mouth where it is placed.
  • Low-cost option for replacing multiple missing teeth.

Cons of wearing dentures:

  • While designed to look similar to natural teeth, dentures do not look as natural or match remaining natural teeth as well as other options for replacing missing teeth.
  • Full sets must be properly secured with adhesive, or slipping may occur. Even with proper adhesive, slippage may occur on occasion, causing difficulty with eating and speaking.
  • Partial dentures often require grooves to be carved into remaining natural teeth to help provide stability to the device.
  • Bacteria and food may become trapped between the appliance and the gums during use, increasing the risk of gum disease.
  • Certain foods cannot be eaten with dentures, including sticky foods or foods that require forceful biting and chewing, such as caramel or corn on the cob.
  • Proper cleaning requires multiple steps, including soaking in a special solution throughout the night- meaning the appliance cannot be used 24 hours a day.
  • Partial dentures may cause damage to adjacent teeth.
  • Require frequent replacement, lasting less than ten years on average.

Dentures are an option for replacing missing teeth that have many pros and cons that should be considered and discussed with a dental professional when deciding which replacement option is right for you. With proper use and hygiene, many people have found great success with long-term denture usage and find them to be a very effective replacement option for them.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Options for Replacing Missing Teeth in Torrance, CA

Request an appointment or call SmileWell Family Dentistry at 310-904-6375 for an appointment in our Torrance office.

Recent Posts

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Due To Tooth Decay

If you are new to dentistry, it may be difficult for you to decide on your options for replacing missing teeth. There are many options available, but here are some of the most common ones that can help replace missing teeth due to tooth decay:Dental implants are one of the most long-lasting options for replacing…

Prosthetic Dentistry Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

Have you ever wanted to know your options for replacing missing teeth? Less than 50% of adults in the United States have all their adult teeth. The likelihood of missing at least one tooth increases as you age. Two-thirds of adults ranging in age from 40 to 64 are missing at least one tooth. Nearly…

Implant Overdenture Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

Implant overdentures may be the best investment when it comes to options for replacing missing teeth. Although you have many options for replacing missing teeth, implant overdentures may be the right option for you. Implant overdentures are known as “snap-on dentures” because the denture connects to the implant via a snap assembly in which a…

SmileWell Family Dentistry

Share
Published by
SmileWell Family Dentistry

Recent Posts

Options for Replacing Missing Teeth Due to Tooth Decay

If you are new to dentistry, it may be difficult for you to decide on…

7 days ago

When to Choose Invisalign Over Traditional Braces

Invisalign® is a discreet teeth-straightening method. Research shows that many people prefer this method to…

1 week ago

Prosthetic Dentistry Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Have you ever wanted to know your options for replacing missing teeth? Less than 50%…

2 weeks ago

Implant Overdenture Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Implant overdentures may be the best investment when it comes to options for replacing missing…

3 weeks ago

Understanding Various Procedures in Periodontics

A periodontist can help patients manage periodontal issues, ranging from mild gum inflammation to advanced…

3 weeks ago

Reasons to Consider Dentures as an Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

Are you thinking of your option for replacing missing teeth with dentures? Well then, you…

4 weeks ago