Thinking of going the dentures way to replace your missing tooth? If yes, then it is important you know that there are different types of dentures available. When we hear about dentures, most of us tend to think that they are all the same, but in reality, there is a variety that you can select from, for your replacement. To help you make an informed decision, we outlined the various types of dentures below.
What are dentures?
In simple terms, dentures are detachable replacements for missing teeth. People mostly get dentures due to severe tooth decay, gum diseases, and injuries. Here are some common types of dentures
Full dentures
Also known as complete dentures, these as the name suggests are designed to replace a full set of teeth. In other words, they replace both the upper and lower sets of teeth and are mainly put in place when one loses all their natural teeth. In full dentures, those made for the upper jaw often come with a flesh-colored acrylic base which is meant to cover the gums as well as the roof of the mouth. This not only makes them indistinguishable from a natural set but also ensures they are firmly held in place.
For the lower jaw, the design is the same except that they are made in such a way that they cannot cover the tongue. If any teeth were remaining, the dentist will first remove them for the placement of the dentures. In respect to that, Full dentures can either be conventional or immediate. For traditional dentures, the dentist will first give you time to heal thus allowing your jawbone to reshape. It is after this that he/she take the measurements and makes the conventional dentures that are a perfect fit for you.
Immediate full dentures, on the other hand, are usually prepared in advance so you as the patient can have teeth during the healing period. The dentist takes the measurements of your mouth before tooth removal so he/she can prepare them and use them as an immediate replacement after tooth removal, so you don’t stay toothless during healing.
Partial dentures
These types of dentures are used when you only have a few missing teeth. These are common when the patient has one or more teeth still in place. The dentures are usually attached to a pink-colored base which is then connected to your mouth using a metal clasp. Partials come in handy when you don’t want the remaining teeth to be removed. Similar to full dentures, partial ones are also made from acrylic.
Implant retained dentures
These are the most stable type of dentures. Just as the name seems to suggest, these dentures are often attached to implants fitted at the front of your jaws by your dentist during the previous visit. To qualify as a candidate for these dentures, you need to have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone.
Snap-on dentures
These are also incredibly effective as well. They are recommended for patients who’ve lost all their natural teeth but still have enough jawbone tissue as they are held in place by implants. What makes them different from implant retained dentures is that they boast lactor attachments within the tissue part of the denture which snap on the implants holding them securely in place.
Bottom line
As noted at the beginning, there is a diverse array of dentures in dentistry. The above are just some of the main ones. If you are considering dentures, ensure you consult your dentist first to find the perfect fit.