Dentists use various techniques to replace missing teeth, and one of these techniques includes dentures. Dentures are prosthetics that fit over the gums to replace the missing teeth. Like other prosthetics, dentures come in all shapes and materials, and an experienced dentist can customize your dentures to fit your mouth.
There are multiple types of dentures available — keep reading to learn about five denture types and what patients say work well. To see what denture types work well for you, set an appointment with your dentist.
1. Full Dentures
Full dentures, or complete dentures, replace all of your missing teeth. For example, you may need full dentures to replace all the teeth in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws. The dentures come with a gum-colored resin base that fits over and matches the color of your gums.
The good news is that full dentures can replace an entire set of teeth without any other treatment. The remaining, broken-down, and infected teeth will need to be extracted before the full dentures are placed.
2. Immediate Dentures
As explained above, a complete denture treatment requires you to extract the remaining, broken, or infected teeth first. Once the dentist extracts the teeth, you normally have to wait for the extraction sites to heal before you can get the dentures. With immediate dentures, however, there is no waiting time and you get your dentures the same day the teeth are extracted.
The best thing about immediate dentures is that you get to walk away from the dentist with the new teeth in your mouth. As the gums heal and shrink after the surgery, the dentures may become loose. The dentist can do a reline to ensure the dentures fit as close and tight to the gums as possible, which keeps them functional and comfortable.
3. Flexible Dentures
Dentures are typically rigid; the rigidity helps dentures maintain their fit and durability. In some cases, depending on the gum tissue, a more flexible denture may be more appropriate, especially for patients whose tissues may be irritated by traditional dentures. An experienced dentist can assist you in deciding if flexible dentures may be an option for you.
4. Overdentures
Sometimes dentures can be attached onto dental implants to ensure the stability and comfort of the denture. Overdentures are a great alternative if you do not have adequate gum and ridge tissue for the other dentures to rest upon. An experienced dentist can talk with you and determine if implant-supported dentures are a good option for your mouth and your circumstances.
5. Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are the opposite of full dentures; partial dentures can replace one or multiple missing teeth while maintaining some of your own healthy teeth. Your dentist will attach the partial dentures to the teeth adjacent to the spaces of the missing teeth. The attachment ensures that your partial dentures snap into place easily and are secure.
Many patients prefer partial dentures because they allow you to replace missing teeth without having to extract the remaining healthy teeth. An experienced dentist can determine your individual needs for partial dentures, so set an appointment if you’re interested in this option.
As you can see, there is a type of denture for everyone to replace some or all missing teeth. At Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry, we have the knowledge and experience necessary to determine what your individual needs may be. We would be happy to discuss the various options that are available to you. Take the first step towards replacing your missing teeth and contact us for an appointment with our team today.