The loss of a tooth or multiple teeth is something many of us will experience sometime in our lives. We fall down and knock out teeth. Teeth are removed because of decay. We get old and our teeth fall out. We only get one set and it’s inevitable that we might lose a few along the way. So it’s common to want to know more about the how’s and why’s of dentures and bridges.
Dentures and bridges can be fitted for any mouth in need of repair and allow patients to eat, drink, smile and kiss with confidence. If you don’t have a skilled dentist or prosthodontist near you, there’s always the option of finding the right dentist, for the right price in a selection of idyllic holiday destinations around the world.
Do your research before you start looking for the dental packages, learn more about the how’s and why’s of dentures and bridges here.
Dentures
Dentures or false teeth are full sets of removable replacement teeth. These are used when natural teeth are lost due to accident or injury, tooth decay, or aging. Dentures help with eating and drinking, smiling and kissing and prevent the face from appearing puckered and older.
Quick Facts about Dentures
- Replacement for complete tooth loss
- Two or more visits during two weeks
- Other options including dental implants
Bridges
Bridges or partial dentures are fitted when some natural teeth remain. Replacement teeth attached to bridge the gap created by tooth loss and help with the overall spacing of your teeth. This process can be completed in two to three visits within a week.
Quick Facts about Bridges
- Replacement for partial tooth loss
- Two of more visits during one week
- Other options including dental implants
Preparation
The prosthodontist will take measurements of your mouth and jaw to make molds for sample dentures. The sample dentures will be modified to properly fit your mouth, ensuring that the color, fit, and shape of the replacement teeth are correct. Using this sample denture, the actual denture will be prepared for you. The entire treatment may take up to two weeks.
Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures require the initial removal of all teeth. Once gums have had time to heal, the replacement teeth are fitted. This can take up to 12 weeks. The downside to this approach is that the patient has no teeth while the gums are healing.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are fitted on the same day that teeth are removed. Gums do tend to shrink during the healing process so adjustments can be made after the dentures are fitted.
Alternatives
There are alternatives to dentures including dental implants, All-on-4, and All-on-6. Your dentist or prosthodontist will advise you as to the best option for you. X-rays and a treatment plan from your local dentist can help you to choose the right dental professional for denture or bridge work.
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