Dentures are one of the oldest forms of dental prosthetics. Anthropologists have found ancient forms of dentures made out of a wide selection of materials from animal teeth to gold. Dentures were used to both replace the chewing function of missing teeth and to restore the smile’s appearance. Modern dentures are much more natural-looking but still serve the same functions. Modern dentures have an added bonus of being able to be secured with dental implants. Dental implants allow for the dentures to be more permanently secured to the mouth, but more importantly, stop bone loss in the jaw that happens with missing teeth. Are dentures right for your smile?
Many people believe that dentures are used only for older patients, but dentures can restore the smiles of people of any age. Dentures can replace an entire mouth of teeth or partial dentures can be created to replace smaller sections of missing teeth. Even moderate tooth loss could require dentures for restoration. A bridge may not be able to compensate for missing teeth in several locations spread across the mouth. Dentures can be custom-created to fit among the natural teeth that remain in your mouth. Not only can dentures bring back your ability to chew, but your speech may be improved when teeth are replaced, especially teeth in the front of your mouth.
Using the All-On-4® system, created by Noble Biocare®, a full set of dentures can be supported by just four implants. These implants are strategically placed for maximum support. Traditional dentures that were not supported by implants do not stimulate the jaw to minimize bone loss. Over time, bone loss in the jaw could cause the dentures to fit incorrectly as the jaw softens and changes shape. Dental implants stimulate the bone to keep the jaw from changing over time.
Learn more about dentures and the All-On-4® system. To schedule a consultation with Austin Prosthodontics in Austin, TX, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.