Dentures Have Come a Long Way

As long as humans have had teeth, they’ve been losing them. And for nearly as long, people have replaced their missing teeth with whatever worked, like wolf teeth. Replacement teeth were found in Mexico as early as 2500 BC. 

Dentures have come a long way in the last few thousand years. The dental team atA Caring Dental Group in Cleveland, Ohio wants you to understand how contemporary dentures can restore your smile and self-confidence when you eat and speak.

A look at contemporary dentures

Nobody wants missing teeth, and almost nobody wants replacement teeth that look fake. 

Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are custom-fitted to your mouth to replace missing teeth. Dentures, which can replace all or just a few teeth, are constructed to match the size, shape, and color of your remaining teeth.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are fitted to your gum and attached to neighboring teeth. Patients might choose partial dentures when neighboring teeth are too weak to support other dental appliances, like dental bridges, or when only a couple of teeth are missing.

Full dentures

If you want to replace all the teeth on your upper and/or lower jaws, full dentures are for you. They’re held firmly in place by adhesives or tension. 

Lower dentures have a horseshoe shape and fit over your gums, while upper dentures cover your palate as well as your gums.

At first, your new dentures may feel awkward and loose while your tongue and cheeks learn how to keep them in place. You may drool more because the production of saliva temporarily increases, and your gums might become a little sore and irritated. These problems disappear as you gradually become accustomed to the dentures.

Dentures versus implants

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. Consequently, they can shift when you talk or eat.

Dental implants look and function like natural teeth. They consist of a crown and a titanium root that is surgically implanted into your jaw bone. Over time, your bone fuses with the root, creating a permanent anchor for replacement teeth.

You can replace individual teeth with dental implants, or you can replace entire upper and lower arches. 

Are you tired of hiding your smile because of missing teeth? A Caring Dental Group’s professional team is glad to discuss your options for creating a smile you’ll love. To schedule an appointment, call 216-230-9094, or use our online booking tool.