• When a person is missing teeth, he or she may experience a variety of problems. The person may become less confident in their smile and have difficulty speaking and eating certain foods.
• Dentures are appliances that are custom made to replace a person's missing teeth and restore the appearance and oral functions that were lost.
• The denture can be either a full denture or a partial denture.
• A full denture is used when all of the person's teeth are missing and a partial denture is used when only some of the teeth are missing.
What are the different types of dentures?
A fixed partial denture, also known as a bridge, is a good option for people with one or more teeth missing. Partial dentures bridge the gap between other teeth. They are bonded to the surrounding teeth keeping them in place which is why they are called fixed as apposed to removable.
Another type of partial denture is called removable partial dentures. This type of bridge allows you to remove and clean it yourself.
Yet another type is an implant bridge. This type of denture is attached to dental implants in your jawbone.
There are a variety of materials used to make dental bridges. They can be made from gold, alloys, or porcelain. Partial dentures are good for maintaining the shape of your face as well as the integrity of your bite allowing you to chew your food and talk clearly.
Full Dentures
For those who don’t have any of their teeth or have lost most of them, dentures, also known as false teeth, can be the best option for teeth replacement. The two types of dentures available are complete dentures and over dentures.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are made of a plastic base that is colored in order to replicate gum tissue and supports a full set of plastic or porcelain teeth. The traditional full denture is held in the mouth by forming a seal with the gums. They can also be held in place by attaching to dental implants that are surgically placed in the bone of the jaws. This treatment is much more expensive than the traditional complete denture. They are used when the person has no teeth remaining or the remaining teeth can be removed. Complete dentures cover the upper and lower gums. When a person has their teeth removed, their dentist will give them an immediate denture to wear for about 45 to 60 days, at which time their gums should have healed and a normal denture can be custom fitted for them.
Overdentures
They are removable dentures that are used if a person still has some remaining teeth including dental implants. If your remaining teeth or dental implants are able to provide adequate support, overdentures may be used.
Dentures are used to make your mouth look and operate normally. They maintain your facial shape allowing you to feel good about yourself. As with dental bridges, it can take awhile and lots of practice after you get them before you can chew and talk normally again.
If some of your teeth are missing, talk with us about whether dental implants, bridges, or dentures may be options for you.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can either be made with a plastic base or a metal framework that supports the number of teeth that need to be replaced. It is held in the mouth by using clasps and rests that are carefully adapted around the natural teeth. The partial denture that uses a metal framework is the traditional design, due to the rigidity and strength of the metal. Plastic partial dentures have normally been used as emergency or temporary replacements of missing teeth, allowing the gums and bone to heal before a definitive restorative solution is obtained. Recently, however, various materials such as Valplast have been developed to provide durable, flexible alternatives in certain situations.
Read about Bent Creek's Denture Service
Bent Creek Dental
2311 Bent Creek Rd Ste 500, Auburn, AL 36830
(334) 758-8000