Eliminating False Information Around False Teeth
The term ‘false teeth’ often makes us think of our grandparents and those ill-fitting sets which we found so mysteriously fascinating when we were children. However, while the term may be technically correct, it is somewhat dated, and the reality is that false teeth are probably more common than you think.
Far from being the sole domain of the aged, false teeth come in multiple forms – and come with many questions.
Many of our patients ask much the same thing when they’re faced with the requirement of replacing missing teeth. Are these questions that have been on your mind?
Common Questions Around False Teeth
What types of false teeth are there?
Strictly speaking, anything in your mouth masquerading as a tooth falls under the banner of false teeth. (Even animal teeth or old bones! Thank goodness we don’t live in that era anymore.)
Depending on the problem and how many teeth need replacing, there are several options available.
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
- Dental implants
What is the difference between bridges, dentures and implants?
Bridges, dentures and implants are all false teeth. Here’s how they differ:
- Bridges are made up to fill a gap of one or more teeth. Like a bridge, they rest on or are supported by existing teeth.
- Dentures are removable sets which fill small gaps or a whole jaw of teeth. They can be made of various materials and are made to fit your mouth.
- Implants are fixed into the jaw and can be for a single tooth or a few teeth.
Are dentures secure/comfortable?
That depends…
When they are carefully made to fit they can be comfortable and secure, but this does depend on a variety of things, such a good bone structure to support the denture. The good news is that, while it may not be as comfortable as your own teeth, most patients can adapt to dentures.
Your dental clinic should create your dentures based on an innate understanding of the shape of your jaw and any underlying dental issues you may have. Digital scanning technology is a must in this instance, which will give a perfect model of the bone, gums and existing teeth. There is still a lot of exciting development happening with digital tech and dentures.
The dentures you choose will depend on your needs and your budget. Some options for both full or partial dentures are:
- Acrylic dentures are the most affordable and practical option.
- Cobalt chrome dentures are another strong and hardwearing option but do require existing teeth in the jaw.
- Flexible dentures are made from a thin plastic and mould beautifully to your mouth, allowing the natural colour of your gum to show through.
Do I have to replace a missing tooth?
Well, no, you don’t have to replace a missing tooth. But there are many reasons why you should.
Depending on which tooth is lost, you can experience a chain reaction which, if left unattended, brings a host of other issues along with it.
- A smile with missing teeth can knock your confidence.
- Your teeth support your facial structure, so missing teeth affect the appearance of your entire face.
- Once a tooth comes out, those around it can become crooked over time.
- Without the support of that one tooth, there is increased risk of damage to those remaining.
- Depending on which teeth you’re missing, your speech or your diet can be adversely affected.
- Your mouth becomes more susceptible to infection and disease.
If you’re concerned about the stigma of false teeth, then choose which one of these above problems you’d most prefer.
False teeth, whether in the form of dentures, bridges or implants, have come a long way from the too-white plastic smiles of yesteryear. They are now carefully crafted to look exactly like your existing teeth matching the shape, gumline and colour so closely that they are impossible to tell apart.
Modern technology allows us to create whole sets of teeth faster and more accurately than ever before. This makes the issue of painful or ill-fitting dentures a thing of the past and grants us a host of other options to ensure that the result you get is the one you want.
Let Us Answer Your Questions
Do you have more questions for us?
If so, please feel free to call us and we will be happy to answer the questions that we can over the phone until you are ready to come in and discuss various options with us.
It’s time to throw the stigma of false teeth out. Let us fix what is broken – it can be our secret!