A denture is a prosthetic device or removable plate that can be used as a replacement for teeth. For people who have gone through a severe loss of one or more teeth, dentures can offer much support to carry on their daily activities, such as chewing, biting, or even speaking. With this restoration, people can get back their smiles and regain their confidence.
However, denture needs regular care. Quite often, people worry about the damage to the partial denture clasp. Apart from that, if you have the need to pull out other teeth in the future, then the partial or loose denture can lose its functionality. Presented below are some alternatives to the loose denture.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the permanent and proper alternatives to loose dentures. Apart from that, they also bring additional benefits as compared to dentures. This is because dental implants help you replace the missing tooth or teeth through surgery. The titanium fixtures are inserted into the jawbone, which takes five to six months to bond organically so that they can act as anchors for your missing teeth. The artificial tooth roots replace the entire tooth while bringing back its original strength. Dental implants can be a good alternative for you as they even look natural as opposed to dentures. They even last longer compared to dentures and are more durable. Implants, although costly, are particularly helpful to those who do not wish to wear dentures.
Overdentures
Overdentures are another alternative to loose dentures, though they are a more budget-friendly option. For people who have lost many or all of their teeth, overdentures can help in getting the same strength and feeling back in the mouth. Here, dentists attach the overdentures to the missing teeth by inserting them into your jawbone. Overdentures then provide a more stable and secure alternative to loose dentures, as they do not move as much while you eat or talk, which is generally a problem with dentures. Many elderly patients prefer overdentures due to their strength and flexibility.
Fixed Bridges
Bridges are another alternative for tooth replacement to loose dentures. A fixed bridge is a more permanent and better solution but only if you wish to replace one to three missing teeth. The bridges are prosthetic teeth that are fixed into the mouth and held in place by crowns or implants on both sides. If the adjacent tooth is healthy, it is removed and replaced by crowns to hold the bridges together. This is probably one of the few drawbacks of fixed bridges. However, it is a much cheaper option than dental implants and more stable than dentures.