Dentures: History and Types

Dentures have been around since about 700BC in northern Italy, first invented by the Etruscans who made their dentures from human and animal teeth. Luckily, dentures have come a long way since then seeing as there is still a need for them. For dental professionals such as those found in Everett, dentures are a popular solution to the common dental problems that have affected society for so long. With their popular use across such a long period of time, they’re likely to continue being the most popular dental solution in the future.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are a type of prosthetic that sits on the gums inside the mouth. People use dentures to replace any missing teeth, which improves their ability to chew their food, and they are also able to speak better. Dentures also support the facial muscles as the lack of teeth causes drooping facial muscles as a result of the gums resting on each other. Aesthetically, dentures also improve a person’s appearance by supporting facial muscles, but they also improve overall smiles, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

What are the Different Types of Dentures?

Dental professionals typically offer a variety of different kinds of dentures, and each individual might find a certain type more use and favorable based on the needs and reason for getting dentures. Among the types of dentures, you’ll find most dental offices offering 4 of the same types, which include:

• Acrylic partial dentures
• Dental implants and crowns
• Implant, supported dentures
• Metal framework partial dentures

Implant-supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are attached to and supported by implants in the mouth. These are used by a person that has enough bone in the jaw to support implants but does not have any teeth in their jaw. This type is typically made for the lower jaw as regular dentures are less stable on the lower jaw.

Dental Implants

Before the Etruscans, there were the Mayans. The Mayans implanted shells and stones into the jaws of those who needed false teeth. Dental implants actually stimulate bone growth, enabling the preservation of the natural bone structure. Not only are these strong enough to function as replacement teeth, but they have the look and feel of natural teeth. In 1952, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, B.I. Branemark, discovered that titanium fuses naturally with bone.

Acrylic Partial Dentures

These dentures are more affordable, but one of their disadvantages is their poor strength and, depending on their design, there is very little tooth support that harms the surrounding tissues.

Metal Framework Partial Dentures

These have connectors, such as metal clasps, that connect to your remaining teeth. They are made from a hard chrome or a cobalt alloy, which makes them stronger and more comfortable than acrylic partial dentures.

Consideration

While it is only natural to feel self-conscious about needing dentures, there is no need to spend your entire life too embarrassed to seek help. Dentures enhance your quality of life by making it easier to eat and speak and also helps prevent future jaw pain, TMJ and even gum disease. Call the dental professionals near you to talk about if what benefits dentures could have for you, and set up a course of action for the process of making your custom, personalized dentures.