Dentures are fabricated teeth made to replace teeth you have lost. Advances in dentistry have made many improvements in the fabrication of dentures. They are now more natural-looking and comfortable than ever before.
Dentures can be complete or partial. Complete dentures cover your entire upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures replace only one or a few teeth. Complete dentures are called “conventional” or “immediate,” and they are the type most people are familiar with.
Types of Dentures
Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures take time to make because they are customized according to the jaw size of a person. Though this means there is a wait, you are guaranteed a comfortable fit that matches your appearance.
Your dentist will not assume the jaw size of a person while making conventional dentures. Instead, we wait for the gums to heal and then measure the altered size of the jaw. As the dentures are made according to the new size of the jaws, they will then fit the person’s oral cavity perfectly. They should look and feel similar to your original set of teeth.
However, for some patients, waiting is not a viable option. While waiting, you would essentially be without teeth. This entails struggling with eating food. And, a toothless appearance can have a significant impact on one’s self-esteem, so many people get immediate dentures.
Immediate dentures, as the name suggests, are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, we take measurements and makes the models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are designed to correct gaps in your teeth when only some of your teeth are missing. Even if you are missing only a few teeth, having gaps can lead to both health and cosmetic concerns. Going too long with gaps can even alter the structure of your jaw.
Metal attachments anchor the partials to your natural teeth. Partials maintain tooth alignment by preventing your remaining teeth from shifting or taking strain. They can also help prevent your loss of more teeth due to decay or gum disease. For many, this option is an excellent choice.
Fixed-Implant
Fixed-implant dentures utilize dental implants as a support structure. The first step requires the installation of implants. These are metallic anchor structures that, once inserted into the gums, naturally fuse with your own jawbone. The result is a sturdy point where you can attach dentures.
The advantage of fixed-implant dentures is firstly stability. Traditional dentures are prone to shifting or even falling out. With fixed-implant dentures, there is less movement and an overall more durable feel.
The only drawback is that they tend to be more expensive. The reason is that you will first need the dental implant procedure and then a custom-made set of dentures to fit your jaw and implants.
cost
Alternatives to Dentures
If you are missing only a couple of teeth, then you might not need to resort to dentures yet. Depending on the state of your remaining teeth, you may be able to have dental bridges or dental implants alone.
Dental bridges work by using your remaining teeth as anchors to replace a few missing teeth, usually 1-2 per bridge.
Dental implants are similar. Like fixed-implant dentures, you will first receive implants through your gums that affix to your jawbone. The difference is that instead of being made to hold a set of dentures, each implant serves as the root for a single tooth replacement called a crown.
Complete and Restore Your Smile
Dentures can be an excellent way to improve your facial appearance and smile. Both practical and cosmetic, they serve to replace lost or missing teeth while also restoring your smile. We understand that loss of teeth can make it difficult to build self-esteem and go about your day.
They also have preventative abilities. A set of dentures provides support for cheeks and lips, filling out your face and profile. Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make someone with missing teeth appear older and reduce the ability to eat and speak.
