Imagine for a moment that humans could do something that sharks and alligators can do. Imagine that we could just regrow missing teeth whenever we needed them.
Then we wouldn’t have to fool with dentures — or denture adhesives.
As it is, we only get two sets of teeth. Our primary teeth erupt and fall out while we are still children. When our primary teeth come in, that’s all we get for the rest of our lives.
Have you considered what you might do if you lost all your teeth? Would you get dentures? Or would you like something else, something more like your natural teeth?
Before you settle for traditional dentures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark. W. Wilhelm, our dentist in Woodbury, MN. You can reach our office by calling 651-319-9064 or by filling out our online form.
We’ll be honest, implant-supported dentures aren’t exactly the same as regrowing a lost tooth, but it’s the closest thing you can get in modern dentistry.
What Dentures Get Right
Dentures have been around for a long, long time.
Archeologists have found examples of dentures among the remains of the Etruscan civilization. The Etruscans lived in what is now northern Italy around 700 B.C. Their dentures were made from teeth removed from animals or deceased humans.
Closer to our own time, people (including our first president, George Washington) had dentures made of ivory. In the latter half of the 18th century, the first porcelain dentures were developed. Compared to modern dentures, these chipped easily.
Eventually, metals including gold were used to create bases for dentures. With time, this was replaced with Vulcanite, a hardened rubber base.
With better and better materials, dentures started to look more and more like natural teeth resting over gum tissue. From a visual standpoint, modern dentures do look very similar to natural teeth … as long as they stay in.
How Dentures Aren’t Like Natural Teeth
If you have dentures or know someone who does, then you can probably give a list of things not to like about dentures. We will stick with a few of the basics for the sake of time.
Dentures are not secure on their own. This creates a dilemma. You have to decide if you will let them float over your gums or whether you want to use some kind of adhesive to hold them in place.
If you let the dentures float, they are likely to slip out from time to time. This can happen while you are trying to tell a funny story or trying to place your order at a restaurant.
And speaking of food, eating with dentures is a skill that you have to learn. It’s not the same as eating with a full set of natural teeth. In fact, you will probably find that there are many things you can’t eat with dentures that you used to be able to eat.
Denture adhesives can make your dentures more secure temporarily. This can give you a little more confidence that you will get to the end of your story or the end of your order. You may even get to the end of your meal with your dentures intact.
The problem is your meal may not be as enjoyable. When you are tasting adhesive with each bite, you may not enjoy the flavor of your food as much.
Have It All With Dental Implants
It is possible to feel confident that your dentures will stay securely in place. It is possible to feel comfortable ordering whatever you want from the menu. It is possible to eat your meal and enjoy the flavors without using any denture adhesive at all.
Dental implants are a more stable and more permanent way to hold your dentures in place. Implants take the place of the roots of your missing teeth. When your implants are placed in your jaw, they provide a solid foundation to support your dentures.
This has the added benefit of allowing you to put more power behind each bite and each chew. That means your dentures can start acting more like replacement teeth instead.
Which Implant-Supported Dentures Are Right For You?
We offer both implant-secured and implant-retained dentures. Dr. Wilhelm can discuss the how they differ so you can decide if either is right for you.
Don’t settle for just dentures when dental implants can give you so much more. Call 651-319-9064 or contact us online for an appointment at our dentist office in Woodbury, MN.
