Losing teeth is something nobody looks forward to. Before you get discouraged about settling for the large, bulky, uncomfortable false teeth your grandparents had, it is important to realize there are now different varieties of options to choose from. Unlike the days of old where everyone got the same kind, patients can now get dentures that best fit their special, dental needs.
Types of Dentures:
Complete –Complete dentures are the conventional dentures which are applied after all of the patient’s teeth are removed. Complete dentures include a full set of teeth that adhered to the gums.
There are two types of complete dentures: Conventional and immediate. Conventional are applied after the teeth are extracted and the gums heal (around 8-12 weeks). Immediate are pre-made and can be applied over the gums immediately after the teeth are extracted, during the gum healing process.
Partial – Unlike complete dentures, partial dentures don’t require all the patient’s teeth to be extracted. Partial dentures are dental bridges that attach replacement teeth to a base that is either pink or gum colored which is connected by wired frames.
There are two types of partial dentures: removable and permanent. In removal partial option, the bridge snaps either into the base or onto the wire framework. In permanent partial option, the base of the bridge is cemented into place on top of the gums.
Alternatives
Today, dentures are not your only option. Instead of dreading the unnatural look or uncomfortable feel. There is another alternative available that provide a more natural look and feel.
This alternative are dental implants. Dental implants are permanent solutions for missing teeth. Implants are made of a titanium screw inserted into the gums and topped with a porcelain crown. The crowns are sized and colored to the specific size, shape and color of the patients natural teeth. The screw keeps the crown in place so a patient can avoid the awkward slipping that happens with dentures as well as the daily cleaning that they require.
Which Denture is Right For You?
The best alternative that is right for you depends on the condition of your teeth. If you have no or very little healthy, natural teeth left, complete dentures are your best option.
Partial and dental implants require the patients to have a few, strong, healthy natural teeth in order to be inserted.
Permanent partial dentures and dental implants are best for patients with few missing teeth and who don’t want the hassle of caring for removable partial dentures.
Both the permanent partial dentures and dental implants are the most expensive denture options. These options may not be best for those on a tight budget.
Conventional and removal partial dentures require daily cleaning and should not be worn overnight. There are also some foods to avoid while wearing either of these denture options, including chewy, sticky, hard and crunchy foods.
Traditional dentures are no longer the option for patients with missing teeth. There are complete and partial dentures as well as dental implant denture alternatives. Some false teeth are also permanent, meaning they are easier for patients to clean and won’t cause embarrassing slippage when eating food.
The right option for you largely depend on the number and health of your natural teeth. Traditional dentures are best for those missing all their teeth, while dental implants are best for patients with few missing teeth.