People have been losing teeth for a long, long time. Replacements for missing teeth have been found in Mexico dating back to 2500 BC. We’ve come a long way since making dentures from wolves’ teeth. Today, there are more options than ever when choosing dentures, including hybrid technologies that provide unmatched stability and comfort.
The dental team at Union Square Dental in the Flatiron District of New York City can help you choose the replacement option that fits well and looks great.
Today’s dentures are made of high-quality materials that match the look and color of natural teeth and gums. Dentures are generally broken into two categories: full and partial.
Complete dentures replace all the teeth of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, and they’re usually held in place by tension or adhesives. Upper dentures cover your palate as well as your gums. Lower dentures are shaped like a horseshoe. The base fits over your gums, and the U-shape permits your tongue to move normally.
Partial dentures, which fill in gaps among your natural teeth, are anchored by your remaining teeth.
Both types of dentures are created based on dental impressions made of your mouth. If you want full dentures but still have some teeth remaining, your dentures can be completed before removing your other teeth. That way, your dentures can be put in as soon as your remaining teeth are taken out. This means you won’t be without teeth while your dentures are manufactured. If you need dentures immediately, though, you can get temporary ones while your permanent dentures are made.
A traditional problem with dentures is that their fit can change over time because the shape of the jaws can change when there are no natural teeth to retain the jaws’ shapes.
Dental implants solve this problem because implants can act as artificial roots in the jawbone in the same way as natural teeth. Implants can also serve as anchors for dentures. Instead of being held in place by friction or adhesives, implant-supported dentures clip onto special posts attached to the implants. There’s no need to worry about anything slipping when you talk or eat with dentures supported by implants.
For superior care in replacing missing teeth, make an appointment online or over the phone at our office in the Flatiron District of New York City.
