Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. Patients who are edentulous (without teeth) can regain natural function and aesthetics by getting dentures. There are a number of reasons why people lose their teeth over time. Most of these are connected to disease, poor oral hygiene and tooth decay.

Other cosmetic dentistry treatments such as dental implants or dental bridges can help fill in missing gaps but dentures provide you with a whole new set of teeth.

A specialist in missing teeth called a prosthodontics will help fit your new dentures. It is important that you don’t leave the gaps in your teeth untreated because this can lead to further issues. Not only do missing teeth look awkward but they increase the likelihood of infection and tooth decay. You may find it difficult to chew and this puts pressure on your existing teeth. In addition, many patients have trouble speaking without a full set of teeth.

Today, individuals have a number of options regarding dental treatment. Dentures have evolved significantly over the last few years and are now much safer and comfortable than they used to be. With more destinations emerging on the dental tourism horizon, patients are spoiled for choices when it comes to low cost dental treatments abroad.

One of the most renowned tooth tourism destinations is Turkey. Dentists in Antalya are offering dentures at remarkably reduced prices compared to dental treatments in the US and Europe.

The total cost of dentures ultimately depends on the choices you make before your treatment. The type of dentures you choose will influence the cost as will where you get them made. As dentures can be quite expensive in the US, many dental patients are traveling for dentists in Mexico to take advantage of its affordable dentures and sunny beaches.

The dentures procedure involves a couple of visits to the dentist after your initial consultation. During the first visit he will take impressions of your mouth that show your jaw structure and the spaces between existing teeth. These will then be sent away to a dental laboratory so the dentures can be custom made. At your next visit, your new dentures will be fitted and any necessary adjustments made.

You can get complete dentures fitted into just your upper jaw or just your bottom jaw. You can, if desired, get a combination of partial and complete dentures.

Dentures are quite safe and non-invasive but there are a number of risks and side effects to be aware of. Most complications arise after you get your dentures while trying to become accustomed to them. Issues tend to disappear as your mouth adjusts to the dentures and you get more practice using them.

A Good Candidate for Total Dentures

Most people who are missing some or all of their teeth make good candidates for dentures. Dentures can help patients chew and speak better. This in turn increases their self-esteem which may have decreased because of missing teeth.

Exposed gums are at more risk of infection and gum disease while remaining teeth have an increased likelihood of tooth decay. This is because plaque and bacteria can build up in missing spaces and affect surrounding areas. A good candidate for dentures may be experiencing these issues.

When you first make an appointment to see a dentist or prosthodontist, he will make sure you are a good candidate for dentures and explain the available options. You may only need partial dentures if you are missing a few teeth and your remaining teeth are healthy enough to support this type of denture. Otherwise, a complete set of dentures will be the best choice.

If you have lost all the teeth on your lower jaw (mandibular arch) or your upper jaw (maxillary arch), then you are a good candidate for dentures. However, your gums will need to be healthy enough to support the prosthesis. It is vital that you are committed to practicing good oral hygiene to get the most out of your dentures.

Who Makes a Good Candidate for Dentures?

· An older person whose jaw has fully developed. Younger patients are not good candidates for dentures because the structure and shape of their jaw is still developing.

· A person who does not grind their teeth. Teeth grinders are not good candidates for dentures because the grinding action puts a lot of pressure on the dentures and can damage them

· Someone who does not smoke. Smokers are not good candidates for dentures because smoking affects the ability of your gums to accommodate the dentures.

· A person who understand and can accept the risks and side effects associated with dentures

It may be that you are a good candidate for dentures but you need further dental work before they can be fitted. The dentist might have to perform oral surgery on you to correct the bony ridges that can interfere with the stability of the dentures. In other cases, one or more teeth may need to be extracted so your dentures fit perfectly.

Talk to your dentist about any issues or inquiries you may have so you feel comfortable with every step of the procedure.

Types of Dentures

There are two main types of dentures available to patients these days: partial dentures and complete dentures. These can be permanent or removable. Partial dentures are suitable for people who have some healthy teeth that can support the dentures while complete dentures are suitable for people who have no teeth at all.

Dentures can go on the lower jaw (mandibular arch) or upper jaw (maxillary arch).

Partial Dentures:

· This type of denture attaches to a person’s existing teeth

· Partial dentures are good for people who have some healthy teeth that don’t need to be removed

· Partial dentures help ease the pressure on your existing teeth by allowing you to chew with enough teeth

· This type of denture is used to prevent surrounding teeth from moving out of place

· Partial dentures are very similar to dental bridges but the main difference between them is that partial dentures can be removed while dental bridges are permanent

· The cost of partial dentures is usually much less than the cost of dental bridges

· Many patients find that partial dentures are easier to handle than dental bridges

Complete Dentures:

· This type of denture is used on patients who are missing all of their teeth, that is, they are in a complete edentulous state.

· Complete dentures can be just placed on the upper jaw or just placed on the lower jaw

· Complete dentures can be immediate or conventional

· Immediate complete dentures are placed on the gums straight after teeth have been extracted. They often require a number of checkups to make sure they fit well and the healing process is going smoothly. Immediate complete dentures might need to be replaced or restructured.

· Conventional complete dentures can only be applied after the gums have healed following a tooth extraction. This means that patients will not have any teeth until they receive their dentures.