Dentures are a popular solution and one of the most affordable dental services for individuals who have lost one or more teeth. They offer a cost-effective and non-invasive way to restore a beautiful and healthy smile. However, with so many types of dentures available, it can be challenging to determine which type is right for you. This article will explore the different types of dentures available and help you make an informed decision about which one is best suited to your needs.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures replace all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. They comprise two parts: a gum base of polymethyl methacrylate, and a set of teeth, either acrylic or metal. The procedure of getting complete dentures takes 8 to 10 weeks.
You can remove complete dentures and clean them like natural teeth without causing any damage to the gums or tissues surrounding the area where they sit. Complete dentures last 5-7 years before you need replacement.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw, depending on the size of your mouth and the number of teeth needing replacement. The dentist connects them to the remaining teeth with small metal clasps. The partial denture gets fitted into your mouth with a special adhesive, which holds it in place while you eat and talk.
Partial dentures can be made from various materials, including plastic, rubber, and porcelain. Most individuals find that partial dentures feel similar to natural teeth once in place, although they take time to get used to at first. Partial dentures last 7-15 years, depending on how you care for them.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are partial or complete dentures that are removable. They are a temporary solution that holds the place for 6-8 weeks until you receive your permanent dentures.
Immediate dentures are ideally for people who have lost all their natural or front upper and lower teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
If you are missing teeth in your upper or lower jaw, you may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures. An implant is placed into the jawbone to support the dentures and stabilize the prosthetic device.
A dental implant can help keep your mouth healthy and stable by providing a strong foundation for your new teeth. It also reduces the risk of bone loss and gum recession when you don’t have any teeth in your mouth.
The procedure for getting an implant-supported denture is similar to getting traditional dentures. Still, this time a dental surgeon will place one or more implants in your jaws before placing the dentures. Once made, they attach to these implants with screws on each tooth attachment area (abutments).
Implant-supported dentures can replace all of your missing teeth at once or just part of them; it all depends on whether or not you still have some natural teeth that can serve as anchors while wearing this type of prosthesis.
Implant-Retained Denture
An implant-retained denture is attached to your natural teeth by 1 or 2 implants. The first step in making an implant-retained denture is placing an implant into your jawbone. This implant will anchor your dental crowns and retainers (dentures).
The dentist will place the crowns on top of the implants, holding them in place while they heal. Once they heal, you will have a set of permanent teeth.
All-On-4 Implant Dentures
People with healthy gums can use these dentures, but they are especially helpful for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth due to periodontal disease.
This type of denture works by placing implants in the patient’s jawbone. The implant is then attached to an abutment, which connects the implant to a set of dentures. The top four teeth are placed on top of this implant and held in place by metal posts that fit into the holes on each tooth crown.
All-On-4 implants are more durable than traditional dentures. You can’t remove them yourself unless you visit a dentist.
Overdentures
Overdentures are affixed to your gums using dental implants. They replace all or some of your teeth; the dentist fixes or screws implants into your jawbone. Overdenture restoration matches your natural teeth. However, you need to remove overdentures at night to clean them.
As the population ages, more people are experiencing tooth loss. While dentures may not be for everyone, they are worth looking into if you need replacements for missing teeth due to injury or grinding. Speak with a dentist familiar with the dentures available to ensure you’re getting the best dentures for your specific needs and budget.