The three most common ways to replace missing teeth today are dental implants, porcelain crowns and removable dentures. Of these three, removable dentures are the most affordable, but do they work, and are they as good as you would hope? Let's take a closer look at removable dentures!
1. What are removable dentures?
Removable dentures replace lost teeth with a removable base that holds artificial teeth. There are currently 2 types: dentures on an acrylic base and dentures on a metal framework. The dentist will recommend the best type based on your needs and the condition of your mouth.
Removable dentures can be used when you are missing a single tooth, several teeth or even all the teeth in a jaw. If you are missing 1 tooth, you get a single-tooth removable denture; if you are missing all the teeth in a jaw, you get a full removable denture.
Removable dentures are often used for older people whose health is not good enough for dental implants or porcelain bridges.
Removable dentures are a popular choice among older people
2. Advantages of removable dentures
It is no coincidence that so many people choose removable dentures. They have clear advantages:
- The denture material is safe for the body, causes no irritation and has no side effects.
- They let you chew for normal daily needs, which helps keep your digestion stable.
- The method does not affect your natural teeth or your jawbone. That makes removable dentures a very suitable option for older people whose health is not as good as it used to be.
- Taking the denture out and putting it back in for cleaning is quite easy. And if it feels bulky when you sleep, you can take it out.
- Easy to take out to clean your teeth
- Quick to make: in only about 2 to 3 days you have a new set of teeth.
- The lowest cost of all tooth replacement options available today.
However, removable dentures also have some drawbacks: a short lifespan, they do not prevent jawbone loss, and they limit eating hard or chewy foods.