Tooth loss can be a difficult experience, but dentures can help restore a patient's ability to smile, speak, and chew efficiently and safely. There are four main types of dentures: complete dentures, partial dentures, custom dentures, and implant-supported dentures. Let's take a closer look at each type of denture and how they can help you.
Complete Dentures
are used when all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing. They rest on the gums because there are no natural teeth to which they can anchor.These full dentures should be removed and cleaned every night. Immediate dentures are complete dentures that you receive from your dentist for immediate use at the same appointment that the teeth you are replacing are removed. These will be replaced by a set of custom dentures to better fit your mouth.
Partial Dentures
are used when a patient still has some of their natural teeth, such as when one or more teeth remain in the upper and lower jaw. There is a pink base that is attached to a piece of metal.These two pieces hold the denture in the mouth. Partial dentures are convenient and removable (like complete dentures).
Custom Dentures
are made from more expensive teeth, resulting in a more natural-looking smile. In fact, you can see the new denture before it's finished. The denture is customized for your smile, so it looks natural and adapts to your needs.Custom dentures may be more expensive than inexpensive dentures, but they are worth the extra expense for many.
Implant-Supported Dentures
use a dental implant to securely hold the denture in place. The dental implant also looks natural and will also last a long time. What makes them unique are the locator attachments embedded within the tissue side of the denture. Locator attachments fit implants or locator receivers. People who wear dentures may end up wearing several different types of dentures throughout their lives.Immediate dentures are usually temporary that you will wear until your new dentures are manufactured, no matter what type of denture it is. Inexpensive dentures are generic dentures that are not customized for your mouth and, therefore, can be a little uncomfortable. They also tend to look like dentures instead of natural teeth. An overdenture is a removable denture that sits on the gum and is fixed in the mouth with dental adhesives. Overdentures can be in the upper or lower jaw, or both.
Fixed dentures require special daily cleaning, and routine maintenance can be more complicated and costly. No matter what type of denture you choose, it's important to take good care of them by brushing them daily with a soft-bristled brush and soaking them overnight in a cleaning solution recommended by your dentist. With proper care and maintenance, your new set of teeth should last for many years.
