What Are the Pros and Cons of Getting Upper Dentures

March 21, 2024, Julian Center for Comprehensive Dentistry

Losing your natural teeth can be traumatic, but getting dentures can restore your smile and allow you to eat the foods you love again. However, some key considerations exist when deciding whether upper dentures are fitting for you. This article talks about the advantages and drawbacks of upper dentures to help you make an informed decision.

How Do Upper Dentures Work?

Upper dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth in your upper jaw. They typically consist of an acrylic base that fits over your gums and replacement teeth set into the base. The dentures are specially customized to fit your mouth and are held in place by suction and your cheek muscles.

There are a few types of upper dentures:

• Complete dentures replace all upper teeth.

• Partial dentures replace only some missing upper teeth.
• A horseshoe upper denture without implants replaces posterior teeth but leaves anterior teeth intact. This gets its name from the U-shape that hugs natural front teeth.

The Pros of Upper Dentures

There are many benefits to choosing upper dentures if you need to replace missing teeth:
Improved Appearance
Upper dentures can restore the natural shape and fullness of your smile. The replacement teeth fill out sunken cheeks and lips caused by missing teeth. This can make you look years younger.
Better Chewing and Speech
Properly fitted upper dentures allow you to eat a variety of foods that you couldn't with missing teeth. You can bite, chew, and swallow foods like apples, lettuce, or corn-on-the-cob again. Dentures also improve speech by preventing whistling and slurring caused by gaps.
Protect Facial Structure
Upper teeth support the structure of your face. After losing your upper teeth, your mouth can sag and wrinkle prematurely. Upper dentures prevent bone loss and maintain facial proportions.
Low Maintenance
Unlike dental implants or bridges, upper dentures don't require special care. You can easily take them out for cleaning and soak them in cleaner as needed. As long as you practice good oral hygiene, dentures are easy to maintain at home.
Cost-Effective Treatment
Upper dentures are usually the most affordable tooth replacement option for patients with several missing upper teeth. They can restore your smile at a fraction of the cost of bridges or implants. This makes dentures accessible for people on limited budgets.

The Cons of Upper Dentures

While upper dentures offer many benefits, there are some downsides to consider:
Adjustment Period
It takes time to adapt to having something foreign in your mouth. At first, your tongue will feel crowded, and you'll need to re-learn how to eat and speak. You may also experience excess saliva, gagging, or sore spots as you adjust. Be patient; it takes several weeks to months to fully acclimate.
Ongoing Adjustments
Your mouth changes over time, so you'll likely need periodic denture adjustments, relines, and rebates from your dentist near me for a good fit. Ill-fitting dentures can cause pain, sores, and trouble eating—plan on visiting your dentist at least annually after getting dentures.
Bone Resorption
Without natural tooth roots embedded in the jawbone, you can experience gradual bone loss over time. This causes shrinking of the jaws and can affect the fit of your dentures. Some people eventually need cosmetic surgery to compensate for bone loss.
Dietary Restrictions
Upper dentures typically reduce your biting force. Though properly fitted dentures allow you to eat most foods, you may need to cut some foods (like steak) into small pieces. Sticky, rigid, or crunchy foods can also be more difficult with dentures.
Speech Changes
Your speech may sound slightly different with upper dentures. Pronouncing certain words may require practice. In particular, words with S and Z sounds can be tricky initially. Be patient, and work with your dentist on adjustments to improve speech.
Durability Issues
With heavy use, dentures may chip or crack over time. I am dropping them while cleaning, which can also cause breaks. Repairs or replacement dentures involve additional costs. Handle and clean your dentures carefully to maximize longevity.

Are You a Candidate for Upper Dentures?

If you have multiple missing upper teeth, palateless dentures may be an appropriate tooth replacement option, depending on factors like:
• Your budget
• Amount of bone loss in your upper jaw
• The health of your mouth tissues
• Presence of any remaining natural teeth
• Your tolerance for an adjustment period
Consult with Julian Center for Comprehensive Dentistry to discuss whether upper dentures suit your unique needs and preferences. We'll perform a comprehensive oral exam, take x-rays to assess the bone level and explain your tooth replacement options. Replacing missing teeth is a significant health decision. Dentist Ellicott City is here to support you every step of the way. Call us today at +1 410-834-0796 to schedule your upper dentures consultation!

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