The greatest benefit of dentures is the replacement of missing teeth. The teeth are necessary to chew properly and are used to help form the sounds in words. They also help to establish and maintain the shape of the face by preventing the sagging of facial muscles. Missing teeth can place increased stress on the jaw that can lead to problems with the muscles and the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint). In addition, teeth preserve the positions of neighboring teeth. If a tooth is missing, the nearby teeth may shift into the open area. Finally, replacing missing teeth can improve a person’s physical appearance and, in turn, boost their confidence and self-esteem.

However, dentures also have disadvantages. No artificial teeth can perform as well as natural teeth. Dentures also require numerous visits to the dental office as well as special care. They can break, chip or crack and an artificial tooth may come loose. Dentures can also be damaged beyond repair by patients who attempt to fix or modify them. Because of this, it is important to see a dentist for any repairs or adjustments.

Patients who wear dentures may avoid certain foods, especially those that may be difficult to chew. This can result in poor nutrition, which can cause a number of health problems, including increasing the risk for an oral infection, such as denture-induced stomatitis. Denture-induced stomatitis can be caused by poorly fitting dentures, poor hygiene and a buildup of yeast in the mouth. This condition causes inflammation that may occur just under the denture or may be more widespread.

Poor-fitting dentures can cause sores and irritations. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the plastics or metals used in dentures. If this occurs, other plastics or metals can be used instead. Dentures that do not fit properly can also trap certain substances against the gums or any remaining natural teeth. This can greatly increase the risk of tooth decay. Furthermore, if cancer-causing substances (e.g., alcohol, tobacco) are trapped against the gum, the risk of oral cancer may be increased.

Researchers and scientists continue to experiment with denture materials and techniques. New compounds may help to make dentures stronger and sturdier, as well as more comfortable. New methods of producing and securing dentures may help prevent denture-related infection, reduce speaking difficulties and expand the numbers of foods that can be comfortably eaten with dentures.