When Does Your Smile Need Dentures?

Tooth loss can lead to problems with your oral health and appearance. We urge our patients that have lost multiple teeth to see us and discuss options for a dental prosthetic. When does your smile need dentures? What’s the difference between full and partial dentures? Do both options look lifelike?

Try Our Dentures Quiz

1. True or False: Partial tooth loss can be addressed with dentures.
2. True or False: We can replace all teeth on one or both arches.
3. True or False: Tooth loss can impact your overall health.
4. True or False: Your dentures will look natural.

Answer Key

1. True. Dentures are designed to offer replacement for multiple missing teeth. While a dental bridge can replace one to three teeth in a row, a partial prosthetic can replace several missing teeth spread across the arch. The prosthetic contains a base that looks like gum tissue, as well as lifelike teeth. There are also metal clasps, which attach to natural teeth and anchor the new ones in place.
2. True. A full denture can offer replacement for all teeth, on one arch or both. An acrylic base that mimics the appearance of gum tissue is connected to a full set of artificial teeth. The prosthetic is held in place with natural suction or possibly the assistance of an adhesive. However, multiple dental implants can also be placed to support a fixed denture.
3. True. Tooth loss not only makes communicating clearly difficult, but can also impact how you eat. Since you can be forced to rely on a diet of soft foods, you can deprive yourself of crucial nutrients.
4. True. Whether you receive a full prosthetic or a partial, they will be custom-made using lifelike materials. The goal is for your new teeth to look natural and reflect your unique facial structure.

ABOUT YOUR HIGHLAND PARK, IL, COSMETIC DENTIST:

Dr. Brent Engelberg and our highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including: Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.