Types of Dentures

Having a significant amount of your teeth missing can be difficult. Having large gaps or having no teeth at all can make it hard to bite, chew and speak. Gaps in teeth can also encourage healthy teeth to migrate. This, in turn, leads to potential tooth decay, gum disease and root pulp infection. Finally, missing teeth can lead to deterioration in the gums and jawbone. This deterioration can actually change the look and shape of your face over time.

In order to avoid these consequences, you’ll want to consider getting dentures.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are dental prosthetics that replace most or all of a patient’s teeth. Generally these replacements are made from acrylic, and can also involve metal pieces such as clasps and implants. Dentures help to restore your smile, and the functionality that was lacking due to missing teeth.

Types of Dentures

When people think of dentures, a certain image of full dentures will often come to mind. In reality, there are different types of dentures. Below are some of the different types of dentures—including options that you may be given when it comes time to place your dentures.

Traditional Dentures

When it comes time to have your dentures placed, you may be given the option of immediate or traditional dentures. Traditional dentures involve an impression being made that is then used to create custom dentures. This process takes about one month during which time you and your dentist customize your smile, bite, and fit to their optimal position. This time allows you to heal after any extractions, and it also allows time for the prosthetics to be created.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are prosthetics that are placed immediately after an extraction. These dentures allow the patient to leave the office with dentures that allow them to bite, chew and speak. They can also help to encourage the healing process. Immediate dentures will need to be adjusted regularly as the extraction sites and bums heal and often are more expensive.

Partial Dentures

Depending on the amount of healthy teeth you have left, partial or full dentures may be placed. Partial dentures allow you to keep your healthy teeth, while still having a prosthesis placed that allows you to properly bite and chew. These prosthetics are generally attached to the healthy teeth with metal clasps that allow the patient to remove the dentures when needed.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are full prosthetic replacements. These dentures are for patients that no longer have any viable teeth, or have so few that extractions and the placement of dentures makes more sense than the creation of partial dentures.

Implant Supported Dentures

Implant supported dentures are a more secure type of dentures that involves the placement of dental implants to hold the dentures in place. This option offers a natural look, and an excellent amount of support.

Set an Appointment

To see which options are available to you, set an appointment with your dentist. They will walk you through what types of dentures are right for you, and which types of dentures are right for your particular budget.

Learn more about dentures : How Much Do Dentures Cost?