There are a number of options for replacing missing teeth. Your dentist will offer their best recommendations for your individual situation, whether it’s a bridge, implant or denture. In the case of dentures, you have several options at your disposal, depending upon your situation and expectations.
Dentures Benefits
· Decreases bone resorption, or bone loss due to missing natural teeth
· Fewer food restrictions
· Proper cleaning facilitated by traditional dentures that are removable
· Restores your smile
· Boost your self-confidence
· Improves your speech
Types of Dentures
Here are some of the most common types of dentures available today:
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures, or full dentures, are removable devices consisting of both upper and lower sets for replacing missing teeth. The teeth of the denture are created from acrylic or porcelain attached to an acrylic or metal base.
Your dentist may recommend that you get complete dentures if you have lost all of your teeth.
Complete dentures are retained into place using an adhesive between your gums and the dentures. This creates a suction effect that keeps your dentures in place and helps prevent food from becoming trapped under the dentures.
Partial Dentures
This type is for filling the gap left by missing teeth using both upper and lower partial dentures. Partials can be removed by unclipping them when necessary.
Temporary Dentures
If your teeth are going to be extracted, and you want some dentures while you’re waiting for your permanent ones, you can get temporary dentures.
This option helps you get used to the idea of wearing dentures, while also allowing your mouth to heal.
Dental Implants
Before undergoing any type of dental treatment or procedure, you should weigh your treatment options. One alternative to dentures, for some patients, is dental implants.
Although implants are more expensive than dentures, they offer a more permanent type of solution and cannot slip within the mouth as dentures sometimes can. Implants are solidly implanted within the jawbone and capped with a dental crown to provide a solid chewing surface.
To receive a dental implant, you would have a titanium metal screw inserted into your jawbone, followed by a connecting piece called an abutment. Once your jawbone has completely fused around the metal screw, you would return to have a dental crown placed over the abutment.
Denture Care
You can clean your dentures by removing them and brushing them using a denture-cleaning brush with very soft bristles. You want to avoid scratches, as they would accumulate stains.
Avoid using whitening toothpastes on your dentures, as they are abrasive and will create scratches on the surface of your dentures.
You need to remove your dentures and soak them overnight. You can soak them in a denture cleanser for the removal of stains, food debris and plaque.
Schedule Your Consultation
Would you like to receive more information about dentures? Or would you like to learn more about alternatives to dentures, like dental bridges and implants? Please contact us at your earliest convenience to schedule your consultation.
