Upper False Teeth Options
People who are missing one or more of their natural teeth might feel uncomfortable with the appearance of their smile, especially when the teeth that are missing are in the front, and even moreso when they’re the front, top teeth. Dentures are considered a convenient and affordable option for people who want to replace their top teeth, but dentures are not without their drawbacks; traditional dentures can slip, causing friction and discomfort and interfering with the ability to eat or speak comfortably, and the adhesive they require can be messy and annoying. There are many alternatives to dentures, and a consultation with your dentist can help you learn whether any of these are good options for you. At your dental consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health and the strength and density of your jawbone and discuss the various types of upper false teeth options that may work for you.
The most popular option for many people who aim to replace their top teeth but don’t want removable dentures is dental implants. Dental implants are small cylinders, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jaw and serve as replacement tooth roots for prosthetic teeth. Once the implants are placed into the jaw, they are allowed to heal for several months, during which time the implants fuse with the bone and form stable, permanent roots for dental crowns. Dental implants are popular largely due to their durability, as they are designed to be permanent replacement teeth and can last a lifetime when cared for properly. Dental implants cannot be removed, which means they don’t slip and won’t interfere with eating or talking. To be a good candidate for dental implants, it’s important that the patient have healthy gums and have a sufficient amount of healthy bone; sometimes, an implant procedure will be preceded by treatment for gum disease or a bone graft procedure, restoring the integrity of the periodontium before placing the dental implants.
For patients who are missing only one tooth, a dental bridge is a less-invasive option that can be quite effective. A dental bridge is supported by crowns that are placed on the teeth on either side of a missing tooth, or on dental implants adjacent to the missing tooth. When healthy teeth are present next to the missing tooth, they can provide a stable support for the dental bridge, but it is necessary to alter these healthy teeth in order to place the crowns that will support the bridge, shaping them to accommodate the crowns. Dental bridges are stable and don’t slip when the wearer is eating or speaking, and for people who are missing a minimal number of teeth, they can be a good solution.
While traditional removable dentures are the most well-known type of denture, they are by no means the only type. There are multiple other types of dentures, many of which could work well for people who want to replace their upper teeth. When people have lost multiple teeth, overdentures are a popular option. Overdentures differ from conventional dentures because they are held in place by either dental implants or existing teeth, rather than adhesives. This helps stabilize them, holding them in place and preventing them from slipping while talking or chewing. Not only are they comfortable and visually appealing, they’re rooted to the jawbone, which helps prevent additional bone loss from taking place. Overdentures are often placed on dental implants, and in some cases, an entire row of teeth can be made to attach to as few as two dental implants without compromising the strength of the overdenture. Snap-in dentures are similar to overdentures, stably affixing to dental implants, but they are removable. They are usually used when there is a sufficient amount of bone present to support an implant but there are no natural teeth in the mouth.
In addition to these more stable types of replacement teeth, there are a number of types of dentures that patients may choose for either the lower or upper teeth. Complete dentures are used to replace an entire row of teeth and rest atop the gums. They usually take several weeks to make and are placed a few months after a dental extraction. Partial dentures may be an option when the patient still has some natural teeth and are made to accommodate the natural teeth. A partial denture is held into the mouth with a pink base, similar to a retainer, that holds a metal piece that contains the replacement teeth. Partial dentures, which are made of acrylic or acrylic composite, are removable and affordable, and they help prevent the natural teeth from migrating, which can happen when multiple teeth are missing. Both complete and partial dentures can be custom-made to look completely natural, matching with any existing teeth and suiting the shape of the face and the style of the smile.
On the other end of the denture spectrum, economy dentures are generic and shouldn’t be expected to fit securely in the mouth, requiring adhesive to stay securely in place. While these types of dentures may not look particularly realistic, they are by far the most cost-effective option for replacing teeth. Finally, in some cases, patients may be able to have their dentures placed on the same day that the teeth are extracted; these are called immediate dentures and may not be appropriate for certain patients.
With so many options for dental restorations, there are many factors that should be taken into consideration. The health of the patient’s mouth, as well as their overall health, can affect the success of dental implants, which can be the best option for some patients who are looking for a stable and durable option that will allow them to eat, speak, and smile securely. Of course, dental implants cost more than the other types of dental restorations; for some people, an implant-supported overdenture, which may require fewer dental implants, might be a happy compromise, while with other budgets, economy dentures may be the most appropriate option. Dentists are well versed in the pros and cons of each type of dental restoration that can be used for the upper row of teeth, and your dentist can help you figure out which restoration type may be the best option for your clinical and aesthetic needs, and for your budget.