Dentures have moved on from the ones your grandparents wore — in fact, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know how lifelike and efficient modern dentures are!
Find out how they can restore your smile and confidence by reading our guide.
What are dentures?
Dentures provide a solution for missing teeth and are usually removable (but can be fixed in place). They’re usually made from lightweight acrylic resin and can have porcelain or metal elements added for support.
They’re a great choice for anyone who isn’t a suitable candidate for permanent solutions to missing teeth like implants, crowns or bridges. For instance, implants won’t be viable if you have jawbone loss as they need to be anchored to that area.
Plus, bridges require support from natural teeth on either side for them to be successful.
Dentures can be worn by just about anyone of all ages with any degree of tooth loss, making them a popular option.
Why choose dentures?
If you’re not suitable for other types of tooth replacement, dentures can be an excellent alternative.
Having dentures is better than putting up with missing teeth. They can not only restore your smile but also ensure that you can eat properly and halt bone shrinkage that can happen when you have missing teeth. This can give your face a “sunken” look and make you appear older than you really are.
What do modern dentures look like?
The easiest way to describe how modern dentures look is natural and lifelike.
Just like any other way of replacing missing teeth, modern dentures are designed to look as close to natural teeth as possible.
Their base is flesh-coloured so that it blends in perfectly with your gums, giving an ultra-realistic overall effect.
This means that only you will know your dentures are there!
Are modern dentures comfortable?
The way dentures are made nowadays means that once you’ve gotten used to them, they should be a good, snug fit and feel comfortable too.
They’re custom-made so they will be designed for you and you alone, fitting the unique contours of your mouth.
While they may feel unfamiliar to start with, you will soon get used to your new teeth — eating, speaking and laughing will get easier and easier until you will forget they are there!
Your dentist will ensure that your dentures are a good fit and will offer follow-up support if they feel uncomfortable at all.
Types of modern dentures
You may need either partial or full dentures, depending on how many teeth you are missing.
Partial dentures fill spaces where there are just a few missing teeth, while full dentures are a great option for anyone who has lost all of their teeth.
You will also be interested to know that you can opt for removable dentures — to be taken out of your mouth every night and cleaned — or fixed dentures, which are held in place with dental implants.
Speak to your dentist to find out which option is most suitable for you.
Want to know more about modern dentures?
Modern dentures are just one of the full range of services we offer here at Opal Dental. We’re dedicated to finding the right solution for each of our patients, so get in touch to learn more about what we can do for you.
Think of us as your local, friendly dentist in Auckland — the professionals you can trust to restore your smile and confidence!
