Removable Dentures
Wausau, WI

Even with vast improvements in dental care, tooth loss still happens. Also, if it has happened to you, you might be wondering what to do. When faced with tooth loss, it is important to have those teeth replaced. However, with so many options today, you might not be sure where to start. At Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, we can help you to understand your options, which also include removable dentures.

A Brief Denture Overview

Removable dentures are the traditional solution for replacing missing teeth. They have actually been around for thousands of years. The oldest dentures were made of materials that deteriorated very quickly. In the 1700s, they were made using ivory from elephants, hippopotamuses, and walrus. In the mid-1800s, Vulcanite was introduced and used as a base for porcelain teeth. It was in the late 1930s that acrylic resin became the main material for denture bases, and this material is still used today. The base holds resin or porcelain teeth.

Types of Removable Dentures

Partial dentures, also simply called partials, replace a section of missing teeth. Full dentures are meant to replace an entire arch of teeth.

In some cases, you may even have a full denture in your upper and your lower arches. These may also to as complete dentures.

Why Should I Replace My Teeth with Removable Dentures?

Modern removable dentures are much more realistic in appearance than older styles. The base is made to match the natural color of your actual gum tissue. It is textured and ridged, which helps to provide it with more realism in both appearance and feel. With greater realism, you can smile more confidently. Removable dentures help to improve how you eat and speak. They also help to fill out your face, giving you a fuller, more youthful appearance.

What are the Drawbacks of Removeable Dentures?

Despite the incredible improvements made on removable dentures, there are still a few drawbacks. Even properly fitted dentures can move out of place. When this happens, you might develop a sore. It can also lead to a bit of embarrassment. Removable dentures require nightly removal and cleaning. They also cannot do anything about the bone loss in your jaw. Because of this, they do need to be periodically replaced.

What if I Want Something More Permanent?

If you are looking for a more permanent solution for replacing your missing teeth than removable dentures, you do have a few options. These options include the use of dental implants. If your tooth loss is new, you may be able to get a full arch replacement. However, if you have lost bone mass in your jaw, for instance, you have been wearing dentures for a while, you may require a different implant solution. All-on-4 is a fixed implant solution. There are also implant supported overdentures. These are solutions that use dental implants to support removable overdentures. Implant alternatives provide you with a longer-lasting alternative to traditional removable dentures.

After tooth loss, it is important that you have your missing teeth replaced as soon as possible. For more information about removable dentures, and if they are the right solution for you, call Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry at (715) 848-2435 today.