Aesthetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry focusing on the look of your smile rather than overall dental health. Although many aesthetic dental procedures exist, one of the most well-known is dentures, which are used to replace some or all of one’s teeth. This article will explain the importance of aesthetic dentistry and where dentures come into play. Then, we’ll cover a few types of custom dentures suiting different needs.
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Why Aesthetic Dentistry Matters
Here are a few big benefits of aesthetic dentistry:
1. Enhanced Appearance
Aesthetic dentistry’s primary focus is to enhance your smile’s appearance. That involves procedures that accomplish many goals, such as:
- Whitening and straightening your teeth
- Replacing missing teeth
- Restoring damaged teeth
- Reducing excess gum tissues
Each can clean up your smile, making it bright, shiny, and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Better Tooth Function
Aesthetic dentistry may prioritize looks, but many procedures also offer medical and functional benefits. For example, dentures can help restore your eating and speaking abilities by replacing missing or damaged teeth with new, artificial teeth. This can help with all but wisdom tooth removal since wisdom teeth don’t need to be replaced. Not only does this make daily life easier, but it also prevents tooth shifting and jawbone loss.
3. Stronger Self-esteem
The combination of enhanced appearance, better tooth function, and avoidance of further dental issues can dramatically boost your self-esteem. For example, eliminating discomfort when speaking or eating can help you ditch self-consciousness around these activities. Another example is smiling. You can smile confidently in photographs once your smile is aligned and shiny.
Types of Custom Dentures
Dentures are one of the most common aesthetic dentistry devices. Not only do they replace teeth and help create a natural look, but there are many kinds to fit different needs. Here are some common options:
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also called complete dentures, are removable devices made of acrylic or porcelain that replace upper and lower sets of teeth. You can place these dentures on the gum tissue and use specialized adhesives to help them stay in place. Patients generally need full dentures if they are missing or need to replace most or all of their teeth. They restore your ability to speak and eat by replacing these teeth. Full dentures require extra care as debris can get caught under them and cause discomfort. Fortunately, this can be easier since you remove them for cleaning, improving the visibility of areas with debris.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are similar to full dentures but only replace a few teeth. They tend to use existing healthy teeth as anchors. These can work better for someone who wants non-implant removable dentures but does not need their entire sets of teeth replaced.
Implant-supported Dentures
Permanent dentures are fixed in place and not removable. This may offer increased comfort and stability when eating, talking, and smiling. However, you can’t remove them for easier cleaning, and the implants can make them cost more.
Snap in dentures are another implant-supported denture type. Unlike permanent dentures, you can remove snap in dentures from the implants for cleaning or other reasons. You can then place them back onto the implant post, securing them more tightly than regular removable dentures. They combine the benefits of removable and permanent dentures, but the implants make them cost more.
Restore Your Smile with Dentures
Whether you have tooth decay, damage, or missing teeth, dentures can fill those gaps and restore your smile’s look and function. The big question is which dentures to pick. Full and partial dentures are the most cost-effective options. The former replaces all your teeth, while the latter can correct a few missing teeth. If you have a larger budget, permanent and snap in dentures offer additional stability and cosmetic benefits. Speak with your dentist if you want to enhance your smile with dentures. They can answer more questions and explore your options.
