Missing one tooth or more, whether it is due to illness or a result of an unfortunate injury, is never a pleasant thing. It can cause a number of problems in the long-time – From difficulty eating or talking to unwanted changes in your facial structure. One way to deal with this problem is by using dentures.
According to historians, the first to come up with the idea of dentures were the Etruscans in the 7th century BC. They made partial dentures by using animal teeth fastened together with gold bands. Only many years later at the end of the 18th century, the patent for what we call today the first modern dentures was filed by a British dentist.
Although dentures can be a solution as a replacement to a missing tooth, it does not necessarily fit for every patient. The reason is that dentures have pros and cons to consider with your dentist before you decide to use them. In this article, we will elaborate on the subject.
Pro: The Shortest Process Compared to Other Treatments
The main advantage of dentures is that compared to the alternatives, this is the most less time-consuming treatment process. A full set of dentures can be completed in two up to six weeks, depending on the case at hand. It is much shorter than other treatments, which can take over half a year and many trips to the clinic until the process is done. In short – dentures are the quickest solution to replace damaged or missing teeth.
Pro: Dentures Feel and Look Completely Natural
Remember the story of George Washington and his sets of wooden teeth? Don’t worry – you are not getting one of those. Nowadays, cutting edge technology can produce dentures that not only look like natural teeth but also feel the same. No one will probably even realize if
you are missing some teeth.
Additional benefits of dentures are:
- No surgical procedures needed during the process of the treatment.
- After the treatment is done, there are no restrictions on the drinks and food you can consume.
Con: Dentures Are Not a Permanent Solution
As we age, our facial structure changes accordingly as part of the process. As a result of those changes, you may need to replace your current dentures in the near future because sooner or later it will fit no more. Statistics say that a patient will have to repeat the entire process every 5 to 8 years on average. repeating this process every few years might consume a lot of time and money in the long run.
Con: Requires an Adjustment Period Every Time
If the inevitable need to replace the dentures every few years is not bad enough, every time the dentist installs a new set of dentures the patient require a period to adjust. Although they are customized, you have to learn all over again how to speak and eat properly while wearing them. Even if it a short adjustment period, it can still be a hassle to deal with over and over again.
Additional disadvantages of dentures are:
- Risk of infection while dentures do not fit properly for any reason.
- Ability to taste food decrease.
What About the Alternatives?
As mentioned above, dentures are not suited for everyone. Therefore, we encourage you to contact your dentist and ask about available alternatives. One alternative you should consider is having implants. Doctor Yigal Balan, a professional dentist, can easily determine which treatment will suit you – Dentures or implants. Contact the clinic today to make an appointment and find out if you can receive the same day dental implants treatments.