What are the Different Types of Dentures?

There are many reasons why a person would lose their permanent teeth. Some of the most common reasons are periodontal disease, irreparable tooth decay, tooth fracture, or as a result of injury, among others. Tooth loss has a huge impact on the appearance and self-esteem of a person, as well as in their ability to efficiently chew and properly speak. These problems are made worse if multiple teeth are lost. Failure to replace a lost or missing tooth can lead to a cascade of changes that negatively impact the surrounding teeth, increasing their risk of getting lost. But even with prevention and early diagnosis, tooth loss is sometimes unavoidable, or is the only viable option. In such cases, partial or complete dentures is a great treatment option for patients suffering from tooth loss. Dentures effectively restore a person’s ability to smile, chew and speak efficiently and confidently. There are different kinds of dental dentures. The one that is best for you will be determined by your dental professional after careful consideration of your particular needs and preferences. The most common types are as follows. Different Types of Dentures • Complete dentures. As its name implies, complete dentures replace all of the teeth of the patient. They are mostly made of a pink-colored acrylic denture base with acrylic denture teeth set on it. • Partial dentures. This kind of denture is used if a patient is missing some but not all of their teeth. It has a metal framework where a denture teeth and pink acrylic base are set, holding on to natural tooth it secure and stabilize itself. • Removable dentures. These dentures are made for the patient to be easily removed, allowing for easy maintenance and cleaning. It also allows for unwanted movement while eating or talking. • Fixed dentures. Fixed dentures are fixed in their place and can only be removed by a dentist. They are a great option for replacing lost teeth, but they require special cleaning and maintenance which can be complicated and costly. • Immediate dentures. They are made before the natural teeth are extracted and applied right after extraction. With immediate dentures, you do not have to go without teeth. However, they can have an unsatisfactory fit during healing. • Temporary dentures. These are similar to immediate dentures, but are not intended as the final prosthesis. They are made to be worn during the healing phase before it is replaced with a definitive denture. • Over-dentures. These are removable or fixed, complete or partial dentures to attach to dental implants or natural teeth, enhancing this denture’s retention and stability, increasing chewing forces. Caring for Your Dentures Denture care is similar to caring for real teeth; diligent care will reduce unwanted bacteria and prolong their life. The best method is to brush them to remove any food debris or particles and soak them in denture cleaner. Brush them again to ensure that all plaque and other build up is removed. Along with a good toothpaste, use a small or medium toothbrush to clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the part that sits on the gums. For stubborn stains or scale build up that you cannot remove on your own, have them professionally cleaned by a dental professional. It can take some time before you get used to wearing your new dentures. The first time to you are fitted for them it is normal to experience some irritation, but this should subside once your mouth starts to get accustomed to them. Eating can be awkward as first, but you should get used to wearing them soon enough.