Are you missing a tooth? Have you been experiencing a loose tooth and are afraid it may fall off? If your answer is yes, dentures may be the solution for you.
Dentures can help you and provide an excellent solution to replace your tooth, restore your smile, improve your chewing ability, and prevent future dental issues. Let’s take a look at the seven different types of dentures.
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What are Your Denture Options?
Dentures are prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and nearby tissues. The best part is that they are customized to fit your mouth and improve your oral function, smile, and overall quality of life. Depending on your condition, your dentist may recommend different types of dentures, including partial or full, to resolve your dental issue.
Dentures play a pivotal role in maintaining oral health. They also maintain the shape of your face while preventing the remaining teeth from shifting.
What are the Types of Dentures?
In general, there are seven denture types, each ideal for a different situation. These are either made up of acrylic resin, porcelain, or polycarbonate. Each material presents its pros and cons. The common kinds of dentures include:
- Complete dentures
- Partial dentures
- Immediate dentures
- Snap-in dentures
- Overdentures
- Economy dentures
- Custom dentures
Let’s take a look at all seven different types of dentures in detail.
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Complete Dentures
As the name suggests, complete dentures are used to replace all your teeth in the upper, lower jaw, or both at once. Since these replace your entire set of teeth, they are customized to fit the contours of your gums and jawbone to resemble natural teeth.
The biggest advantage of complete dentures is that they can restore your ability to chew and speak and, in turn, improve your overall quality of life. In addition, these also improve your appearance and boost self-confidence.
However, you may experience some initial discomfort as you adjust to them.
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Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a type of false teeth dentures that are used when some of your teeth are missing. These also allow you to keep and use your existing teeth as anchors. Depending on your condition, these may either be removable or fixed.
Removable partial dentures require daily removal and cleaning. They are easily removed since they are attached to a gum-colored base with a metal framework. Removable dentures are great if you are looking for a cost-effective solution.
On the other hand, fixed partial dentures are permanently attached to your natural teeth. Your natural teeth act as an anchor on which the partial dentures are cemented on either side of the gap and provide a more stable and secure option than removable ones.
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Immediate Dentures
An emergency dentist may recommend immediate dentures, which are placed in your mouth immediately after your remaining teeth are extracted. These dentures are also customized to fit your gums and jawbones, either as complete or partial dentures.
The advantage of these types of dentures is that they can be placed in your mouth right after your teeth are removed. This means that you don’t have to go home without teeth during the healing process. These, however, may not fit well as permanent dentures and may also feel uncomfortable.
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Snap-in Dentures
Snap-in dentures, or implant-supported dentures, are other kinds of dentures that attach to the dental implants in your jawbone. They are called “snap-in” because they snap onto your dental implant and can be partial or complete dentures.
Snap-in dentures usually consist of replacement teeth that are attached to a gum-colored base, which snaps onto a series of abutments on the dental implants. These are more stable than traditional dentures and help you speak and chew more comfortably.
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Overdentures
Overdentures are placed on the gums but are anchored by dental implants. Unlike other types, they are usually complete dentures, but other forms, including partial or snap-in types, are also available.
The biggest advantage of overdentures is that these do not dislodge easily. This means that you can freely bite into something hard without any worry. In addition, these are natural and can automatically improve your confidence.
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Economy Dentures
As the name suggests, economy dentures are designed to be more affordable than other types. Compared to others, they cannot be customized and are generic, which makes them less comfortable and less secure. Moreover, they may also not have a natural appearance and may be more noticeable than custom dentures.
The biggest advantage of these types of dentures is that they are cost-effective, which makes them a good option if you are on a tight budget. Keep in mind, however, that these are not durable or aesthetically pleasing and may look fake.
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Custom Dentures
Custom dentures or personalized dentures are the type of dentures specifically designed to fit your mouth. Most of the dentures described above, except for economy dentures, are customized to fit your mouth. Since these are customized, they are more comfortable and secure than others, have a natural appearance, and enhance your overall look.
Which Types of Dentures Should You Choose?
With so many different types of dentures, it may be confusing to pick the right one. The type of dentist suitable for you may depend on many factors that your dentist will determine and discuss with you.
Whichever denture you choose, make sure that you take proper care and follow strict oral hygiene. Clean the dentures regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid using abrasive toothpaste. Visit your dentist more often for routine dental cleanings and to ensure that the dentures are in good shape.
If you wish to visit a dentist for denture placement or a regular checkup, you can visit us at Brooklyn Blvd Dental.
Contact us today at (763) 533-8669 to schedule your consultation!