Missing teeth can be a major issue, both functionally and aesthetically. Not only can missing teeth cause problems with speaking and eating, but they can also lead to bone loss in the jawbone and other dental problems. If you are missing teeth, you may be considering dentures as an option. There are two main types of dentures: removable and fixed. In this blog post, we will discuss fixed dentures and their many benefits.
What are fixed dentures?
Fixed dentures are also known as permanent dentures or implant-supported dentures. They are similar to traditional dentures in the sense that they replace an entire arch of missing teeth and have prosthetic gum tissue. Unlike traditional dentures, however, fixed dentures are secured in place by approximately 4-8 dental implants. As a result, fixed dentures cannot be removed.
The ideal candidate for fixed dentures is someone who is missing multiple teeth all within the same arch. You should also have enough bone in your jaw to support the implants. If you do not have enough bone, you may need a bone graft before getting fixed dentures. A bone graft is a surgical procedure that places bone material in areas of low bone mass. As the bone graft heals, new bone grows in these areas so that dental implants can be safely placed.
To place a fixed denture, your dentist will first need to place the dental implants. This requires a minor oral surgery where 4-8 dental implants will be placed into your jawbone. Once the implants have healed, your dentist will then use either clip-like attachments known as bar-retained dentures or stud attachments known as ball-retained dentures to attach the denture to the implants. The entire process can take several months from start to finish.
Benefits of Fixed Dentures
Now that we know what fixed dentures are, let’s discuss some of the many benefits they offer. There are many benefits of fixed dentures, including:
Improved look of your smile:
Having multiple missing teeth can negatively affect the look of your smile, especially if these teeth are visible when you smile or speak. If you are missing teeth, you may be embarrassed to smile or even laugh around others. This can lead to feeling self-conscious and withdrawn. Fixed dentures look very natural and are able to replace an entire arch of missing and/or damaged teeth. This means that you can smile with confidence knowing that your teeth look fantastic, but natural.
Ability to eat whatever you want:
Unlike removable dentures, which can sometimes slip when eating, fixed dentures will not move around in your mouth. This means that you can eat whatever you want without having to worry about your dentures slipping. Since the denture is supported by implants, you will also have normal chewing strength so you can eat tougher foods. For many people, this is a huge benefit after living years with missing teeth that have made eating difficult.
Prevention of bone loss:
Missing teeth can cause the jawbone to deteriorate over time. This is because there are no longer any roots in the jawbone to stimulate new bone growth. As a result of jawbone deterioration, the face starts to take on a sunken appearance. Dental implants, however, act as artificial tooth roots and help to prevent bone loss in the jawbone. By preserving bone mass in the jaw, dental implants also preserve your unique facial contours.
Improved speech:
Missing teeth can sometimes cause problems with speaking. This is because the teeth play an important role in our ability to control airflow and pronounce certain sounds used for speech. Even one missing tooth can affect speech, however multiple missing teeth tend to have a greater impact on proper speech. Fixed dentures can help to improve your speech by restoring the natural shape of your mouth and teeth, which allows for proper airflow and pronunciation.
Prevention of problems associated with missing teeth:
Missing teeth can cause a number of problems, including bite misalignment, damaged teeth, and jaw pain. This is because one or more missing teeth create spaces in the mouth that allow the surrounding teeth to shift out of their proper position. Depending on the number of missing teeth, this can cause certain teeth to absorb more pressure than others, and it can also place additional strain on the jaw joint. These problems can lead to further dental problems down the road if left untreated. Fixed dentures help to prevent these problems by restoring the natural function and structure of your mouth.
No irritation:
Removable dentures can sometimes cause irritation to the gums, especially if they do not fit properly. This is because the dentures put pressure on the gums, which can lead to soreness and inflammation. Dentures can also cause gum irritation when they slide around while eating or speaking. Fixed dentures, on the other hand, do not cause any irritation since they are securely attached to dental implants and do not move. Dental implants also preserve the jawbone, so they maintain their fit much better than traditional dentures.
Highly similar to real teeth:
Fixed dentures are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth. This means that you can brush and floss them just like you would your regular teeth. You can also eat whatever you want without having to worry about your dentures slipping or coming out. Fixed dentures are the closest thing to real teeth available today, making them a great option for those missing all or most of their teeth.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed the benefits of fixed dentures. Fixed dentures are a great option for those missing all or most of their teeth. They offer many benefits, including the ability to eat whatever you want, prevention of bone loss, improved speech, prevention of problems associated with missing teeth, no irritation, and highly similar to real teeth.
If you are considering getting dentures, be sure to talk to your dentist about fixed dentures. These dentures offer many benefits over traditional removable dentures, and they can help you regain your confidence and improve your quality of life.