Dentures have been a part of dentistry for millennia, with the earliest identified being 4500 years old and found in Mexico. These initial dentures were made from wolf teeth, and it’s unclear how common they were among the general populace. The Etruscans were known to have what would be considered partial dentures by 700 BC. These dentures used gold wire to bind human and animal teeth in the place of missing teeth. Denture material and design technology has come a long way since then, but they serve the same fundamental purpose. Dentures are used to restore the function and appearance of our smile. Dentistry of Miami is dedicated to providing our patients with a full range of dental treatments for maintaining and restoring the form and function of our teeth.
When Is The Right Age For You To Get Dentures?
Determining when it’s time to get dentures varies from patient to patient. No “right time” suits everyone due to differences in their dental health. However, it’s common for dentures to be needed by patients over forty. While only 33.6% of all dental patients between the ages of 40 and 64 are impacted by tooth loss, those who are can benefit significantly from dentures. However, tooth loss can occur at any age, and anyone who has lost an adult tooth can benefit from receiving dentures.
Dentures are an effective way to improve the appearance and function of your oral health. They can help you eat easier, speak clearly, and even improve your face’s appearance. This last part is due to the impact that our teeth have on the structure of our face. They ensure that the upper and lower jaws are appropriately spaced, providing a taut fullness to our cheeks. Improving our appearance and restoring natural eating and speaking can help us feel more confident. These are important elements that make getting dentures an essential long-term investment.
Three different types of dentures are available on the market today:
- Complete Dentures – Full dentures, also known as full arch dentures, are used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. They come in various materials and designs and are designed to match your original teeth in appearance.
- Partial Dentures – Partial dentures restore smiles that are missing only a few teeth. These dentures include metal brackets that fit around the existing teeth to secure the remaining teeth in place.
- Implant-Mounted Dentures – These dentures are a hybrid between dental implants and dentures. Rather than having a permanent set of crowns that only get removed twice a year, the patient can remove implant-mounted dentures for cleaning. These dentures provide the most natural and secure restoration of your smile from all available dentures and are the favored denture options for many patients.
Learn More About Dentures From Dentistry Of Miami
Is it time to consider restoring your smile with dentures? Then, contact Dentistry of Miami at (305) 598-2622 to schedule your first appointment. During this appointment, you’ll thoroughly review your dental history, receive a comprehensive exam, and discuss treatment options for addressing your dental health concerns. If dentures are an appropriate option for your oral health needs, you can develop a treatment plan with our team to restore your smile.
