Dentures are used for replacing weak or lost teeth. They are available as a full or partial set depending on the number of missing teeth. In this article, we cover the types of dentures available for teeth restorations.
Full dentures are designed to replace the complete set of teeth on a dental arch. Dentures created for the upper jaw have a flesh-colored acrylic base that covers the roof of the mouth and gum to create suction and hold the prosthetic teeth firmly. Full dentures for the lower jaw are similar, but the acrylic base has a horseshoe shape so it will not cover the tongue.
Before placing full dentures, the dentist will extract any remaining teeth. The jawbone will respond to this procedure and adjust over time. To create a perfect fit, the dentist may need to wait a few months before taking the mouth’s measurements, which will be used to request full dentures from the manufacturer. Before the permanent dentures are ready, the patient will be given a temporary option. Afterward, the dentist will fit the dentures according to the reshaped jawbone.
If only a few teeth are lost, partial dentures can fill the space. Partial dentures can be connected to the natural tooth through binding metal clasps. The crowns help the partial dentures fit correctly and with precision.
As the name implies, implant-supported dentures are connected to implants inserted into the jawbone. These implants protrude through the gums and hold the dentures in place. The dentist inserts implants surgically and allows some time to fuse with the jawbone. The benefit of implant-supported dentures is that they offer better stability than other types of dentures, especially for the lower jaw.
This type of dentures can be either ball-retained or bar-retained. In the latter, a thin metal bar will be connected to two to five implants in the bone. Clips or other forms of attachment are usually used to make the connection. Ball-retained dentures, otherwise known as stud-attachment dentures, typically comprise sockets that sit on ball-shaped connectors on the implants. Implant-supported dentures have a better appearance and prevent jawbone resorption, which is a common occurrence in other types of dentures.
An ideal patient for this type of denture must have healthy gums, enough bone mass and excellent oral hygiene. If the jawbone mass is not enough, bone graft surgery may be required to rebuild the bone.
All types of dentures require routine cleaning to prevent oral health problems and ensure the durability of the dentures. If you have a full or partial denture, remove and clean it every day. Brush your teeth, gums and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Many denture options are available to restore the appearance and function of your teeth. Your dentist will advise you on the best option based on your condition. With proper care and maintenance, the dentures can survive many years of use.
Request an appointment here: http://dentistryinorovalley.com or call Dentistry In Oro Valley at (520) 833-5100 for an appointment in our Oro Valley office.
Check out what others are saying about our denture and partial denture services on Yelp: Adjusting to New Dentures.
Implant supported dentures are a great replacement option for those needing a solution for missing teeth. Dentists often recommend them for patients who are replacing an entire arch of teeth, whether that be the top or bottom half. Aside from tooth replacement, there are a few reasons that implant supported dentures are recommended, and improved…
Dental bridges can replace a section of missing teeth. They look and function essentially the same as natural teeth. If you are missing multiple teeth and are considering a dental bridge, then learning more about what it is exactly and who is an ideal candidate for treatment is helpful in determining whether treatment is appropriate.There…
It is essential to replace missing teeth the moment they fall out. Failing to do so can lead to serious health issues. Teeth serve an important function: They help people break down foods, pronounce certain words and their roots keep your jawbone tissue healthy.When some of a person's teeth are missing, there are changes that…
Don't let missing teeth get in the way of enjoying life. Call us to hear options for replacing missing teeth.We offer several options for replacing missing teeth at our office. We will examine your teeth to determine the most effective replacement for a brighter smile and functional set of teeth that you can easily use.Options…
Curious about dental crowns? Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. If a dentist determines that you need a dental crown, there are several reasons why they may make that suggestion. A crown is a common dental restoration to cover and protect a tooth with compromised structural integrity. Their natural appearance and…
A smile makeover is a process that involves one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to make a person's smile look better. Some of the treatments include bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings. In many cases, the procedure can serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. The treatment options also depend on the patient’s individual condition.A…