Popularly known as “false teeth,” dentures are a form of dental prosthesis used in cases where a person is missing one or more of their teeth. Getting fitted with the denture normally helps people with their speech and eating. It can also improve the self-confidence of the patient.
Dentures are classified by:
- How many teeth they must replace
- Fixed or removable
- Supported by gums or dental implants
- Construction materials
Complete Dentures
When you are missing all of your teeth, the type of dentures that you would be getting are known as complete dentures. The artificial teeth used with complete dentures are fitted to a plate that sits right over the gums. If it is an upper denture, it would rest on the roof of your mouth.
Dentures normally have a gum-colored acrylic base, although the inner part may be constructed from metal. The base is distant from the teeth so that it is not visible whenever you open your mouth.
Although dentures fit well initially, your jawbone will eventually be changing shape, so the plate will grow loose. A dental adhesive can be used to retain it for some time, but you will eventually find that you need a new set of dentures at some point.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are useful for those who still have some of their natural teeth. They are individually crafted to fit around the remaining teeth, using clips. Both the “gum” base and artificial teeth can be colored to provide a good match with surrounding teeth and gum tissue.
Although the clips retaining partial dentures are designed to be unobtrusive, they could still be visible when your open your mouth. Although the clips are constructed from a material that matches the color of natural teeth, they are not as strong as metal.
Removability
Conventional dentures are removable. You may need to remove yours overnight so that they can be cleaned. Partial dentures may be worn for a longer period of time and brushed normally. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on cleaning your dentures, depending upon which kind you have.
Dentures Retained By Implants
Dentures can be retained by dental implants, giving them the following benefits:
- Dentures are anchored to the implants and are secure.
- No discomfort due to friction.
- Allows for normal biting and chewing.
- Appears natural.
Comfort of Dentures
Your dentures will be custom-designed to fit the unique contours of your mouth, so they should be relatively comfortable. Having said that, it often takes some time to get used to them, especially when you are eating.
Alternatives to Dentures
One popular alternative to dentures is the dental implant. This is only a choice for those who do not have an entire row of teeth that need to be replaced. However, implants offer numerous advantages over dentures, such as:
- Cannot slip within the mouth
- Durable and long-lasting
- Prevents jawbone loss that occurs without the presence of a tooth root
Consultation