Deciding between getting braces or dentures takes a lot of thought, with the best option for you depending on your dental problem and the severity of it. What you receive will also depend on the nature of the problem with your teeth. Whilst both braces and dentures share the ultimate goal of giving you a great smile, they achieve this in very different ways. Dentures are typically used to replace missing teeth whilst braces help to straighten out your existing teeth, usually without the need for removing any teeth at all.
It is important to discuss any and all possible dental treatments with a specialist, as they will help to advise you on the best course of action to take. Understanding the differences between braces and dentures will help you better understand of their pros and cons, and therefore understand which option is most suited to your mouth.
Are Dentures Suitable for Me?
As braces and dentures function in entirely different ways, they will therefore each, only be suitable in certain situations. For those with malocclusions, braces may be the best option, as they can help to straighten out existing, crooked teeth. For people who have otherwise healthy mouths, braces will tend to b preferable, utilising the existing teeth, rather than having to remove many teeth or dispense with them altogether.
For those with missing teeth or teeth that need to be removed, although there is the option of getting dental implants, dentures may be the most suitable option, helping to fill in the gaps in your gums with fake teeth. Dentures can also be used for those who have no teeth at all, otherwise known as full dentures.
Dentures cannot help to straighten out existing crooked teeth, however, if these teeth need to be removed, dentures can be used as a replacement, and much like braces, offer a straight-teethed smile for patients. All of these options can be discussed with our team, offering bespoke dentures in Manchester for all types of mouths and teeth.
How Much Maintenance Do Dental Braces Need?
Braces require ongoing maintenance to upkeep and care for and our technicians will be able to advise you on how to do so. Those with braces will have to clean them thoroughly to prevent dirt and a build-up of bacteria and to avoid having bad breath as a result. If cleaning is not properly maintained, you can expose your mouth to disease, which may cause further complications to your dental health and potentially even your wider health.
Additionally, with braces you will have to visit your dentist frequently so that they can monitor the treatment’s progress and address any issues that may arise throughout this process. However, as braces are designed to be worn for a shorter term, once the treatment is complete these follow-ups will also stop.
How Much Maintenance Do Dentures Need?
In comparison to dental braces, dentures require less maintenance. These types of artificial teeth are treated much like regular teeth although users have to remove them before cleaning. Users will also have to pay attention to how their dentures are stored when they are not being worn (for example at night) as it is key to prevent them from becoming vulnerable to bacteria build-ups, which may be harmful to the dentures as well as your wider dental health.
Dentures also require fewer follow-ups with your dentist or denture specialist. Wearers will not tend to have to go for follow-ups unless they begin to experience issues with their dentures or if something needs changing.
It is worth noting that the maintenance required will depend upon the type of dentures you have, and whether or not you are advised to check-up with your dental healthcare professional. However, overall, dentures are typically quite low-maintenance, and this applies to dentures ranging from suction dentures, to partial dentures and others.
Dentures and Braces: Which Is More Comfortable?
As dentures are built for long-term use, they tend to be quite comfortable to wear, with a range of materials and fixtures available to choose from. If your dentures start to become uncomfortable or loose and don’t feel as if they fit properly, it is important to discuss this with a dental healthcare professional or your denture clinic, as there could be an issue with the physical structure or condition of your dentures that needs addressing.
As braces are used to facilitate the re-aligning of your existing teeth, they can be quite uncomfortable for periods of time, as wearers will feel some of the tension of the braces on their teeth and gums, which can be alleviated with regular pain-relief such as paracetamol. However, braces are a temporary fixture, and once removed will not cause pain or discomfort.
Which Treatment Lasts Longer?
Whilst braces are worn for a shorter term than dentures, both offer long-term solutions. Braces are designed to help straighten out misaligned teeth and will offer a usually permanent solution to that particular dental issue once worn for the correct and advised length of time, and with the correct care and maintenance. Dentures on the other hand can last for years, sometimes up to a decade before they need to be replaced, although you will need to care for them well over the course of their life.
Overall, both braces and dentures offer an effective solution to various types of dental problems. However, whilst both have their pros and cons, the most appropriate solution will depend on the type of issue you have and the action recommended by your dental healthcare professional.