Many people assume George Washington’s severe expression on the dollar bill was prompted by his years as a statesman and the role’s heavy responsibilities. According to the folks at Mount Vernon, the truth is more mundane. When Gilbert Stuart painted this famous portrait, Washington was battling the discomfort of a new set of poorly fitting dentures crafted from hippopotamus teeth. Thankfully, modern dentures have improved massively. Today’s users enjoy natural-looking smiles and levels of comfort and function that George Washington could only dream of centuries ago. But you might be wondering . . . how do dentures work?
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are oral appliances that replace missing teeth on the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Most types are removable. While historic dentures included an imaginative mix of supplies, you won’t find hippopotamus teeth in modern versions. Today’s dentures are made from familiar materials like acrylic, porcelain, nylon, resin, and metal.
What Kinds of Dentures Are Available?
Mouths are wonderfully unique. Therefore, it makes sense that dentists have crafted several types of dentures in order to best serve the needs of their patients. How do dentures work? There are several types of dentures that work in slightly different ways:
Full Dentures
Sometimes called complete dentures, full dentures are probably what most people think of when someone says “dentures.” These oral appliances replace an entire arch of teeth. They consist of a gum-colored base and artificial teeth. A full denture rests on either the lower jawbone or the roof of the mouth. Some users apply adhesives to keep them in place.
Partial Dentures
If you still have some natural teeth, but you are missing several teeth from one or both of your jaws, partial dentures could be the solution. Designed to fit either the upper or lower jaw, this oral appliance replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth. The artificial teeth rest partially on the gum and underlying bone. However, they also receive some support from the nearby natural teeth via special clasps that are part of the denture.
Implant-Retained Dentures
A twist on full dentures, implant-retained dentures attach to dental implants instead of resting on the gums. These implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to mimic the roots of missing teeth. The dentures snap into the implants, so they’re more stable. While they can be used, adhesives are rarely necessary.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures, also known as permanent dentures because they are the only type of dentures that do not come out, are dentures attached to dental implants. Only a dentist can remove them. The major downside to these dentures is the difficulty of cleaning both them and the patient’s mouth.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Dentures
Dentures provide several clear benefits:
- Upgraded chewing
- Improved nutrition
- Better speech
- Improved appearance
- Enhanced self-confidence
The drawbacks of dentures vary depending on the type. Traditional denture wearers are more likely to be troubled by shifting appliances and issues like eventual bone loss. Implant-retained dentures offer greater stability and tend to retain the jawbone better, but not everyone is a good candidate for implant-retained dentures.
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How do dentures work? Diving into this question is a fantastic way to learn more about the various types of dentures and determine which one is best for your unique situation. Which denture is right for you? Ultimately, that will depend on a mix of factors, including the state of your teeth, the health of your jawbones, your overall health, and your personal preferences. If you’re interested in dentures, an experienced dentist can help you determine which type would best suit you.