You can replace your missing teeth in several ways. Your dentist will be the one to recommend which type of dental prosthesis is right for you, whether it be a denture, bridge, or implant. There are several types of dentures on the market, each made from different materials and serving different purposes. That’s why it’s essential to understand the benefits of the different types when deciding on the best type for you.
Here’s a look at some of the options:
Full Dentures
Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been extracted and the gum tissue has started to heal. They’re usually ready for placement in the patient’s mouth about eight to twelve weeks after the teeth have been removed.
Unlike conventional dentures, which are made in advance and take some time to fit, immediate dentures are fabricated right after the teeth are extracted and can be fitted immediately. As a result, you need not go without teeth for the entire healing period. Bone and gum tissue can shrink after teeth are removed, especially during the healing phase. Immediate dentures may, therefore, require more adjustments to fit correctly during the healing process and should only be considered a short-term solution until traditional dentures are available.
Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures or bridges usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a synthetic pink or gum-colored base. A metal framework sometimes holds this with the prosthesis in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are worn when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or/and lower jaw. A fixed bridge replaces a missing tooth by placing crowns on either side of the gap and attaching false teeth to the crowns affixed to each other. This bridge is then cemented into position. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by lost teeth, preventing other teeth from shifting their positions. Precision partial dentures are removable and have internal attachments rather than clamps attached to the adjacent teeth. This is more natural-looking.
Temporary dentures
Immediate dentures are temporary dentures that can be placed immediately after your teeth have been extracted. They’re an option if you need to continue as usual while you wait for your new permanent teeth to be fitted. You can eat the foods you love again without putting too much pressure or stress on your remaining natural teeth. A dentist may recommend them to ease your mouth into wearing false teeth or if you’ve already had issues with sensitive teeth, gums, or bad breath. By reducing the pressure placed on your remaining natural teeth, temporary dentures will allow your mouth to heal without you having to make any significant lifestyle changes.
Implant-supported dentures
As the name implies these are dentures that are anchored by dental implants. An implant is a permanent fixture anchored to the jawbone which can be used to replace missing teeth. They’re made up of the implant itself, the metal post (usually titanium), and a custom crown that look just like a natural tooth.
Implant-supported dental prostheses should be cared for and treated like a traditional denture. It’s more common for them to be placed on the lower jaw because the upper jaw tends to align more easily. That said, implants can be and are placed on both.
