DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTURES

While many people have a specific image in their mind of what dentures are, there are actually different types of dentures. If you are missing a significant portion of your teeth, you’ll want to consider the different types of dentures, and which type of dentures is right for your specific needs.

The Benefits of Dentures

Dentures are an excellent option for patients that have lost a significant portion (or all) of their teeth. Dentures offer a practical solution that allows patients to continue to bite, chew and speak much like they used to, while also providing patients with a new set of beautiful teeth that they can be proud of. These new teeth help to boost a patient’s confidence, and allows them to smile wide without worrying about missing teeth ruining the look of their smile.

The Different Types of Dentures

There are different types of dentures that your cosmetic dentist may consider based on your particular needs and your budget. Below are different types of dentures that your dentist may decide to place:

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are an excellent type of dentures for patients that still have healthy teeth and would like to keep those teeth. Most dentists prefer to save as many natural teeth as possible, and partial dentures give them the opportunity to do so. This type of dentures attaches to the natural teeth of a patient via metal clasps that are placed on the healthy teeth. This allows the patient to remove the dentures with ease, and clasp them back without any fuss.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are the best option for patients that either have no remaining teeth, or need the remainder of their teeth extracted. As their name implies, full dentures replace a full set of teeth. These prosthetics can be custom made to look like a patient’s original teeth, or they can be made to look however the patient prefers them to look.

Immediate or Traditional

When having dentures placed, patients are sometimes given two different options—immediate or traditional dentures. While these two types of dentures are very similar, the main difference involves when the dentures are placed. While traditional dentures require a period for the tissue to heal and the dentures to be custom created, immediate dentures can be placed immediately—even if the patient’s teeth have just been extracted. Both of these options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision will ultimately be up to the patient and dentist.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Some patients will have the option to have implant-supported dentures placed. These dentures are attached to implants in the jawbone, which help to hold the dentures in place. While this is an excellent option for some patients, it is not an option for all patients.

Speak with a Cosmetic Dentist

If you are ready to replace your missing teeth, set an appointment with a cosmetic dentist about the placement of dentures. They will help you to decide on which type of dentures are right for your needs.

More About Dentures : What Are Partial Dentures?