Dentures are great false teeth options to restore a set of missing teeth. They effectively restore your natural teeth’ form, function, and aesthetics.
However, many individuals remain confused about different aspects of denture treatment.
Keeping the same in mind, we take a closer look at:
- What Are Dentures? Do You Need Them?
- The Process Of Getting Dentures!
- Types Of Dentures You Should Know Of!
Let’s learn more about dentures in the following sections.
Introduction:
Are you missing some or all of your teeth?
Tooth dentures can be the best option for you in that case! These oral appliances restore your smile, bite force, and renew your overall oral health.
Continue reading as we understand more about these dental appliances in the following sections.
What Are Dentures? Do You Need Them?
Dentures are removable oral appliances that restore your smile. They mimic the functioning of your natural teeth in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Dentures are custom-designed to fit individual patients and provide them with an artificial alternative that looks and feels natural.
Interestingly, when hearing about dentures, many people have a similar question: What are dentures made of?
Well, the answer is simple! Dental technicians craft dentures using nylon, acrylic, metal, resin, and porcelain materials. However, you can’t just start using dentures from tomorrow.
You must visit a dentist before starting a denture treatment plan. But you can check out for some warning signs to predict whether you need dentures. These signs may include:
- Severe pain or toothache
- Missing teeth
- Loose teeth
- Swollen/red gums
- Difficulty when biting or chewing
Once you are sure you need dentures, it’s time to select which denture options best suit you!
The Process Of Getting Dentures
The denture process generally starts with your visit to the dentist. Once the experts have conducted a comprehensive oral exam to assess the health of your gums, teeth, and jawbone, they’ll help you determine which denture works best for you.
Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth based on the selection and further use it to mold your teeth and gums. Once your dentures are ready, you can book a fitting session to determine its fit.
Following the trail, your dentist will examine the fit and modify the dentures as needed at this session to ensure they are comfortable and secure. Overall, getting dentures might require several consultations and modifications before they fit and perform properly.
Types Of Dentures You Should Know Of!
Based on your oral health, your dentist will ask you to select among any of these types of dentures:
Full Dentures
Commonly known as complete dentures, these appliances are among the leading options for dentures dentistry. Complete dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
When you think of traditional dentures, you probably think of complete dentures. False teeth and a gum-colored foundation make up this appliance. It sits on top of your gums and is supported by your palate (the roof of your mouth) or lower jawbone ridge.
Additionally, your dentist might also need to apply denture adhesive (a particular form of glue) to hold your appliance securely in place; you may need
Partial Dentures
These dentures are a great option if you miss some or most of your teeth in one or both jaws. Partial dentures are comparable to complete dentures because your gums and underlying bone support them.
However, partial dentures contain specific clasps that loop over your natural teeth, providing more stability.
Implant-retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures are attached to dental implants rather than your jawbone ridge and gums for stability. They are removable like ordinary dentures; you can remove them to clean and soak them at night.
These implants come with threaded posts and are placed in your jawbone by surgeons as an alternative for lost tooth roots. Since these appliances “snap on” to implants placed in your jaw, implant-retained dentures are often more stable than standard dentures. You won’t need denture adhesive to keep them in place. As a result, they are sometimes referred to as “snap-in dentures.”
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are temporary appliances in some instances. Before they may wear dentures, some patients must have their teeth extracted. An immediate denture is an appliance worn immediately following extractions.
Your dentist will replace them with your final dentures once you’ve healed. In certain situations, you may be able to put on your traditional dentures right away. Your dentist can advise you on what to expect in your specific scenario.
Implant-supported Dentures
Unlike other dentures, implant-supported dentures (also known as permanent or hybrid dentures) are not removable. Your dentist is the only one who can remove them; they do not snap in and out.
They are a great option for patients who do not want detachable oral appliances. However, the disadvantage of such a non-removable denture is that such a denture plate needs extensive daily cleaning, including flossing beneath your mouth.
What Dentures Should You Choose?
There are various aspects to consider while selecting the proper type of dentures. Based on your unique needs and dental health state, your dentist will work with you to find the best solution.
Partial dentures are an excellent alternative if you have a couple of missing teeth. If all of your teeth are lost, complete dentures may be required. Implant-supported dentures or overdentures may be the best alternative for a more sturdy and secure solution.
You must also consider your budget, as some dentures are more expensive than others.
Takeaway
- Dentures are great false teeth options to restore a set of missing teeth.
- Partial dentures are a wonderful alternative if you have a couple of missing teeth.
- Implant-supported dentures do not snap in and out and can only be removed by the best denture dentist.