Dentures in Sault Ste. Marie
What are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial tooth replacements that allow patients with missing teeth to keep their face structure, eat properly and speak well. They can be used to replace one missing tooth, a row of teeth (partial dentures) or a whole jaw (full dentures).
While dentures take some getting used to, do not feel exactly the same as natural teeth, today's dentures are more natural looking and comfortable than in the past, and there are a variety of options available to help keep them secure and in place.
Types of Dentures
Whether you need to replace one missing tooth, a few teeth in a row or a whole jaw of teeth, there are two types of dentures to choose from: conventional and immediate.
Conventional Dentures in Sault Ste. Marie
Your dentist will fit conventional dentures once any teeth have been extracted (if needed) and your gum tissue has healed from the procedure. This process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Immediate Dentures in Sault Ste. Marie
Your immediate dentures will be made in advance so they can be fitted right after your teeth have been extracted. In this case, your dentist will make alterations to the dentures after the gum tissue heals for a better fit.
Why replace missing teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is essential to your oral health, because it helps to preserve the surrounding oral structures.
The gaps left by missing teeth can cause several different dental problems if left untreated.
For example, the teeth surrounding the gap may begin to shift out of position into the gap because they have nothing there to hold them in place. This in turn can result in tooth misalignment, discomfort, and even trouble talking and eating.
The jaw bone surrounding your teeth is kept strong and sturdy by the ongoing pressure and vibrations of the teeth when you chew and bite. When teeth are missing, the jawbone surrounding the gap can begin to deteriorate, resulting in a condition called facial collapse.
If you are missing all or some of your natural teeth, dentures can be an affordable option for replacing them to help preserve the structural integrity of your smile.