What are the Disadvantages of Full Dentures?

July 16, 2024
Dr. Micahel Ammons Dentist in Summerville, Dentist in James Island, Dentist in Camden, Dentist in Charleston
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Michael Ammons, DMD

Are you considering complete dentures as a solution for your missing or damaged teeth? Dentures have been a reliable option for centuries, enabling people to eat and speak more comfortably. However, understanding the disadvantages of full dentures is crucial before making a decision. This blog will help you understand the disadvantages of full dentures, their functionality, and alternative options to full dentures. Read on to find out if dentures are the right choice for you!

How Do Dentures Work?

Dentures are detachable prosthetics that are intended to give your smile back its appearance and functionality by replacing the missing teeth. They stay in place by fitting snugly over your gums and are held by suction or dental adhesive.

Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth to create custom-fit dentures. This ensures the dentures match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. The denture base is usually made from acrylic resin, while the artificial teeth can be made from porcelain or plastic.

When you first receive your dentures, they might take a little while to feel comfortable. You may experience some soreness or irritation as your mouth adjusts, but this should subside over time.

Maintaining clean dentures is crucial to prevent bacteria buildup. Use a denture cleaner or soft toothbrush with gentle bristles to brush them every day. After cleaning, rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth.

Dentures provide a reliable solution for those with missing teeth or other dental issues. When taken care of and maintained properly, they may greatly increase your self-confidence when smiling!

Disadvantages of Full Dentures

1. Risk of Breakage

Full dentures are delicate and must be handled with great care. They can easily break if dropped or subjected to undue force. Because of their fragility, accidents that occur while cleaning or handling may need expensive repairs or replacements.

2. Lack of Stability Without Implants

Full dentures that are not supported by dental implants may lack the necessary stability, leading to unexpected and embarrassing moments where they might fall out of the mouth. This can happen during activities such as speaking, eating, or even laughing.

3. Dependency on Messy Adhesives

Many users have to rely on dental adhesives to keep full dentures securely in place. These adhesives can be messy and inconvenient, adding an extra step to daily oral hygiene routines and sometimes leaving an unpleasant taste or residue in the mouth.

4. Dietary Limitations

Full dentures can restrict the types of foods you can enjoy. They typically do not offer the same biting and chewing efficiency as natural teeth or dental implants, making it difficult to consume certain foods, especially those that are hard, sticky, or require substantial chewing effort. This limitation can impact overall nutrition and eating satisfaction.

5. Initial Discomfort and Adjustment Period

Adapting to full dentures involves a significant adjustment period. One of the primary discomforts is the sensation of having the roof of your mouth covered by the upper denture. This can feel strange and unnatural at first, affecting comfort levels and altering taste perception, which can diminish the enjoyment of food.

6. Ongoing Maintenance and Adjustments

Full dentures need to be adjusted regularly and maintained with diligence to keep fitting correctly and performing as intended. As the jawbone naturally resorbs over time, the fit of dentures can change, necessitating periodic visits to the dentist for modifications. Dentures can become uncomfortable and less effective without proper care and timely adjustments, shortening their lifespan.

 

Understanding the disadvantages of full dentures is important for anyone considering them as a solution for tooth loss. While they can restore functionality and aesthetics to a degree, being aware of these potential challenges will help make an informed decision and prepare for the necessary maintenance and lifestyle adjustments. At Ammons Dental By Design, we are here to help you find the best dental solutions tailored to your needs.

Alternatives for Full Dentures

While full dentures can be a valuable option for some patients, advancements in dental technology offer alternative solutions that address many of the disadvantages mentioned above. Here are some options to discuss with your dentist at Ammons Dental By Design:

Dental Implants

Little titanium posts called dental implants are surgically placed into the mandible. They serve as replacement tooth roots, giving dentures, crowns, and bridges a stable base on which to snap firmly into position. Implants offer superior stability, improved chewing function, and prevent bone loss.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures use a smaller number of implants compared to traditional implant restorations. These dentures clip onto the implants for a secure and comfortable fit, eliminating the worry of slippage.

Partial Dentures

A few lost teeth in either arch can be replaced with removable partial dentures. Since they are attached to your remaining natural teeth, they feel more natural and have a superior biting capability than full dentures.

Conclusion

If you're considering full dentures, scheduling a consultation with your dentist at Ammons Dental By Design is crucial. We will discuss your specific needs, medical history, and lifestyle to determine the best course of treatment. We will explore all your options, including dentures and alternatives like dental implants, to ensure you achieve a healthy, functional, and confident smile.

Contact Ammons Dental by Design to Know If Full Dentures Are a Good Choice for You!

At Ammons Dental by Design, we make sure our patients enjoy long-lasting, healthy, and beautiful smiles. Whether you're seeking your first set of dentures, are considering replacement, or require emergency denture repair services, our dedicated team is here to provide the guidance and support you need. Make an appointment right now to go closer to having a self-assured smile!

FAQs

Can you live an everyday life with complete dentures?

You can feel normal with dentures. Thanks to advancements in modern technology, dentures can now fit seamlessly into your mouth, making them feel like a natural part of you. It's essential for your dentures to feel comfortable and integrated because they significantly impact your appearance and confidence when you smile.

Are complete dentures worth it?

There are clear benefits to both complete and partial dentures. While partial dentures assist keep your remaining teeth in their proper positions and fill in the spaces caused by lost teeth, complete dentures can improve your smile and chewing skills.

Who should not get dentures?

Patients who may not be suitable candidates for dentures are those lacking sufficient healthy gum tissue and jawbone structure to support them. However, these individuals can become candidates for dentures with appropriate treatment to restore the gum tissue and jawbone health.

Ammons Dental By Design blog is proudly run by our South Carolina Dental Team. We love to share knowledge and tips about the best dental care and practices. Apart from running this blog, we offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental care, and dental implants for the community in areas around Charleston, South Carolina. We have 4 clinics in Downtown Charleston, James Island, Summerville, West Ashley and Camden, SC

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Multiple Convenient Dental Locations Near Charleston

Ammons Dental By Design has four locations so you can find the most convenient office for your family.
Camden
1015 Fair St.
Camden, SC 29020

Monday – Thursday:
8am – 5pm

(803) 969-0365
F: (803) 432-2625
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Downtown Charleston
14 Lockwood Dr,
Charleston, SC 29401
(Suite A on the exterior of the Ashley House Building, across from the marina)

Monday – Thursday:
7am - 4pm

(843) 380-2734
F: (843) 577-4464
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James Island
1739-B Maybank Hwy.
Charleston, SC 29412

Tuesday – Friday:
7am - 4pm

(843) 380-8889
F: (843) 990-9504
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Summerville
1710 Old Trolley RD., Ste. B
Summerville, SC 29485
*Rotating schedule
Tuesday – Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Monday & Friday*: 8am – 5pm
(843) 380-8904
F: (843) 871-0617
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West Ashley
1014 St Andrews Blvd Suite 210 B-1, Charleston, SC 29407

Monday – Thursday:
8am – 5pm

(843) 305-8403
F:
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CAMDEN
1015 Fair St.
Camden, SC 29020
Monday – Thursday:
8am – 5pm
P: (803) 969-0365
F: (803) 432-2625
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DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON
14 Lockwood Dr,
Charleston, SC 29401
(Suite A on the exterior of the Ashley House Building, across from the marina)
Monday – Thursday:
7am - 4pm
P: (843) 380-2734
F: (843) 577-4464
about this locationsubmit a review
JAMES ISLAND
1739-B Maybank Hwy.
Charleston, SC 29412
Tuesday – Friday:
7am - 4pm
P: (843) 380-8889
F: (843) 990-9504
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SUMMERVILLE
1710 Old Trolley., Ste.B
Summerville, SC 29485
Tuesday – Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Monday & Friday*: 8am – 5pm
*Rotating schedule
P: (843) 380-8904
F: (843) 871-0617
about this locationsubmit a review
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