Types of Dentures

When considering dentures, there are several factors to take into account. Many patients worry that they will not be like their real teeth, but with new products dentures now look and feel like real teeth. Dentures are removable appliances that replace all or some of your missing or damaged teeth. Dentures will not only improve the look of your smile if your teeth have been damaged or lost, they can also improve the look of your facial structure by lifting up sagging facial skin where teeth have been missing.

There are two types of dentures, partial and full dentures. Full dentures use a flesh-colored acrylic base fitting over your gums. The upper denture covers the roof of your mouth and the lower denture uses a horseshoe shape to accommodate your tongue. Partial dentures usually attach to some of your existing teeth. Which one would be best for you will depend on how many teeth are missing or damaged and the overall look you are going for. Cost is another deciding factor. Initially you may think that partial dentures will be a cheaper option but if your remaining teeth still need alot of dental work, you might want to consider doing full dentures to save yourself time and money in the long run. Your dentist will be able to go over all these options with you to help you decide what would be the most cost effective option and give your overall smile the best outcome.

There are several models of dentures:

• Conventional: This is a full removable denture. It is places in your mouth after all your teeth have been removed and your gum tissue has healed. This can leave the patient without teeth for several months, but requires fewer visits after the initial removal.
• Immediate or Same Day Dentures: This denture is also removable, but is inserted the same day as your teeth have been removed. Your dentist will take measurements and models of your jaw before your teeth have been removed. You will not have to go without teeth during the heeling period, but there is a chance that you would have to go back several times as your mouth is heeling and have the denture relined or remade after your jaw has completely healed.
• Overdenture: An overdenture denture fits over several implants that have been inserted into the jaw bone. A denture is then permantly attached to these anchored implants providing more stability for chewing.
• Partial denture: A partial denture anchors to metal framework attached to your natural teeth. Your natural teeth act as an anchor for the attached teeth and must be in good condition and stable in the jaw bone. These are a removable alternative to bridges.

Dentures have come a long way and although they do not feel exactly like your real teeth, they are a more natural and comfortable option to replace missing or damaged teeth.