When some or all of your permanent teeth fall out or must be removed, false teeth are generally a necessity. Not only do they make your smile even and lead to general cosmetic improvement, but they also are a necessity in many cases should you wish to eat normally. If you are considering false teeth, make sure you understand all the ramifications of having them, as well as the potential impact on the rest of your dental health.
History
False teeth make an appearance in history literally thousands of years ago, when Egyptians tied carved ivory replacements into their mouths with silk threads to replace lost teeth. In colonial time, carved wooden teeth replaced lost natural ones. Unfortunately, both of these models had to be removed before eating, so they had cosmetic value only. Today, false teeth fit securely in the mouth and can be used to bit and chew just like normal teeth.
Types
False teeth come in many forms. Tooth implants work just like real teeth and are permanently fixed in the jaw. Bridges, which are false teeth held in place by attachments to your real teeth, can also be used to chew, but may have to be removed for cleaning and maintenance. Dentures are full sets of false teeth held in the mouth by a fixative. Some people classify veneers as false teeth. Veneers are covers for the fronts of your teeth to make them look larger, brighter and more even.
Considerations
When you are determining what type of false teeth to get, you need to evaluate exactly what you want to use them for. If you are having trouble chewing, because your natural teeth are few and far between, you may need to opt for tooth implants. However, if you only have a few missing teeth, then a bridge will probably be your best option. Dentures should be considered a last option because you must have all your teeth pulled and while they look like real teeth, they don't work like them.
Misconceptions
Many people think that the classic idea of false teeth--a full set of dentures--is going to be an ideal solution if they don't like the look of their teeth or have a lot of cavities. However, this is untrue. It is almost always better to have your natural teeth repaired, if possible, rather than to get dentures. Dentures can only take about 15 percent of the pressure that your real teeth can, and they often cause sores and discomfort on the gums. They are not an undetectable replacement for your real teeth.
Benefits
There are many benefits to getting false teeth. They can make an incredible difference in your confidence because you will no longer be embarrassed by smiling or laughing. They also can help you enjoy food again by making chewing and swallowing a less painful process. They can even help preserve the rest of your natural teeth because the teeth will not have room to move around or spread out because of the gaps in your mouth.
Warning
If you have false teeth and you experience pain, soreness in your gums or open sores, visit your dentist immediately. These symptoms likely indicate that your teeth simply are not fitted correctly. However, in rare cases these symptoms are actually a result of gum disease or even oral cancer.
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