Pros and Cons of Dentures

If you are thinking about getting your missing teeth replaced, various options are available. However, many people consider removable dentures for tooth replacement as they are cost-effective compared to other options. But are removable dentures the best option for replacing missing teeth? In this article, Dr. Lindsay at Kingman Family Dentistry talks about the pros and cons of traditional dentures. So, continue reading to find out more. 

What are the Pros of Removable Dentures?

Here are some of the benefits of removable dentures compared with other tooth replacement options:

Low-cost

Conventional dentures are among the most cost-effective options for replacing missing teeth. Hence, these are popular options among patients who cannot afford expensive dental implants and bridges. 

Versatility

No matter how many teeth you have lost, you can still get your teeth replaced with dentures if you do not have sufficient jawbone available. 

Repairability

Perhaps, the most significant advantage of dentures is that they can be quickly and cost-effectively repaired. Even if a denture cannot be fixed, getting new dentures does not cost much. 

What are the Cons of Removable Dentures?

Every tooth replacement option has its own merits and demerits. Some of the drawbacks of removable dentures include:

Staining Potential

Dentures tend to get stained quickly, especially if they are not cleaned regularly. 

Multiple Fabrication Steps

Preparation of dentures, especially the complete dentures, require multiple, time-consuming steps. As a result, patients have to wait for many weeks, even months, before wearing their dentures. 

Maintenance

If the dentures are not cleaned properly, they may attract fungal growth and cause soft tissue irritation. Besides, when you are not wearing your dentures, you must keep them in water or a dentures cleaning solution. Otherwise, they will get warped and will not fit anymore. 

Frequent Need for Repair or Replacement

Removable dentures, especially the ones made from acrylic resins, are inherently brittle and tend to fracture easily if accidentally dropped. Hence, they require frequent repair or replacement.

Dietary Limitations

Removable dentures do not offer sufficient chewing efficiency. That is why dentists do not recommend eating hard or soft with removable dentures. 

Speech Problems

Some dentures wearers experience difficulty in pronouncing words and have a distinct “lisp” in their voice, particularly during the initial days of denture wearing. 

Bone Resorption

Dentures exert direct pressure on the underlying jawbone and accelerate the jawbone degradation process. 

Damage to the Supporting Teeth

Partial dentures is supported by healthy natural teeth. However, these teeth are at a high risk of developing periodontal problems and tooth decay - often requiring cavity filling Kingman AZ. 

If you are looking for a time-tested and cost-effective option for replacing your teeth, dentures are a good option. However, if you desire a rockstar smile with the ability to eat and speak normally, you should consider other alternatives like bridges and implants.