Dentures are a popular choice for restoring missing teeth. Various types of dentures are available, but which type is right for you?
This post will outline the different types of dentures and their benefits. Read on to learn more!
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are dentistry’s oldest method for replacing teeth. They are also called “false teeth.” They are used to replace one or more teeth that may be missing.
These are made from an impression of your mouth and fit over your gums. Impressions of your mouth are first made to create a model of your dentition – this model is then used to fabricate the denture by a denturist or dental technician.
Dentures are usually acrylic, but they can also be made from other materials, such as metal or nylon. They typically consist of replacement teeth that are attached to a pink base. This base is made to look like gums.
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures are a popular tooth replacement option for many people. They are relatively affordable and easy to care for, and they can be made to match the appearance of natural teeth closely.
Dentures can also provide many other benefits, including:
- Improved chewing ability: Dentures can help people who have lost some or all of their natural teeth to chew their food more effectively. This can improve nutrition and overall health, especially for the elderly.
- Improved speech: Dentures can also help people who have difficulty speaking due to missing teeth. The dentures act as a support for the lips and cheeks, which can prevent slurred speech.
- Enhanced self-esteem: Because dentures can improve the appearance of your smile, they can boost your self-confidence and help you feel better about yourself.
- Preservation of facial structure: Dentures can help to prevent the facial muscles from sagging, which can happen when there are no teeth to support them.
Overall, dentures offer many benefits that can improve your quality of life. If you are considering dentures, be sure to discuss all of the potential benefits with your dentist.
Types of Dentures
Different types of dentures are available; the type that is right for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are a type of dental prosthetic used to replace all natural teeth in an arch. They are sometimes called “false teeth.”
Complete dentures are supported by the gum tissue and the bones of the jaw. They are used when all of the natural teeth in an arch have been lost, and there is not enough remaining tooth structure to support a partial denture.
Pros of Complete Dentures
- Improve the function and appearance of a person’s smile
- Make it easier to eat and speak
- Help restore the natural contours of the face
- Provide added support for facial muscles that can lead to a more youthful appearance
Cons of Complete Dentures
- Can be bulky and uncomfortable
- May require periodic adjustments as they rely on suction to stay in place
- Do not provide the same level of support as natural teeth
- May need to be replaced more frequently than other types of dental prosthetics
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. They are typically made of metal and plastic and contain a partial plate with false teeth.
Partial dentures can be removable or fixed (permanent). They are typically indicated when there are still some natural teeth remaining.
Pros of Partial Dentures
- Improve eating and speaking ability
- Provide support for the cheeks and lips
- Help to prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of place
- Cost of partial dentures is lower than complete dentures
Cons of Partial Dentures
- Can be uncomfortable
- May require extra care to keep clean
- May need to be replaced periodically as the mouth changes over time
Flexible Dentures
Flexible dentures are a type of denture that is made of flexible material. They replace all or most of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw.
Pros of Flexible Dentures
- Less expensive than traditional dentures
- More comfortable to wear
Cons of Flexible Dentures
- May not last as long as traditional dentures
- May need to be replaced more often
- May not fit as snugly as traditional dentures, which can cause them to slip and move around in your mouth
Despite these potential drawbacks, flexible dentures offer a more affordable and comfortable option for many people who need to replace their teeth.
Temporary Dentures
Temporary dentures are often used as a temporary measure while waiting for permanent dentures to be made.
They can also be used following wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or other oral surgery where the mouth needs time to heal before permanent dentures can be fitted.
Pros of Temporary Dentures
- Much cheaper than permanent dentures
- Can be made quickly
- Can be easily removed and cleaned
Cons of Temporary Dentures
- May not fit as well as permanent dentures
- Can be uncomfortable to wear
- May slip and move around in the mouth, which can make it difficult to speak and eat
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are supported by implants, which are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone.
Pros of Implant-Supported Dentures
- Improved biting and chewing ability because the implants provide stability for the denture.
- Improved speech because the implants help to prevent the denture from slipping.
- Increased comfort because the implants help to distribute the force of biting and chewing evenly throughout the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures can also help preserve the jaw bone, which can deteriorate over time when teeth are missing.
Cons of Implant-Supported Dentures
- The cost, which can be expensive
- The surgery required to place the implants can be painful and have a long recovery time
- The implants need to be cared for just like natural teeth and must be brushed and flossed daily
Which Type of Denture is Right for Me?
When it comes to choosing the right denture, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, ensuring that the denture fits snugly and comfortably against your gums is important. It shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. You should also be able to eat and speak without difficulty.
Secondly, you need to consider the material of the denture. It should be made from durable, high-quality materials that will last long. However, remember that you still need to be proactive in properly maintaining your dentures.
Thirdly, you need to choose a color that blends well with your skin tone and natural teeth color.
Lastly, you should pick a style that you feel comfortable with and that suits your lifestyle.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect denture for you!
