6 Types Of Dentures Explained

Having some missing teeth at some point in life is possible. It could be as a result of aging or an accident. When that happens, you don't have to spend the rest of your life without teeth, as there are great options you can consider.

One of those options includes using dentures, which provide an excellent alternative to your missing natural teeth.

Dentures are removable appliances that look like normal teeth. They fit well in the gaps in your gums, and sometimes, no one notices you have dentures. When fitted well, they can improve your smile, enhance your speech, and increase your overall confidence.

Dentures usually come in many types to fit users' unique needs. Here is a brief description of the six most common types.

1. Complete Dentures

Complete dentures come with a full set of teeth; hence, they are great for people who have lost all their teeth.

When you need these dentures, the dentist first examines your hum, jaw bone, and contours to make a customized denture for you. The complete denture should be a permanent option for missing teeth, so it should fit well, and that's why its customization takes some time.

These dentures are made of durable materials, such as acrylic, porcelain, or ceramic. The only drawback of these types of dentures is that they take time to customize. However, you can get temporary ones during the wait period.

It goes without saying before you hit the search button for dentures near me, be sure you are getting help from the best complete oral health care provider like Marvel Dental. They offer comprehensive dental health care to individuals and families in two convenient locations: Fort Wayne and Huntington, Indiana.

2. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures look like complete dentures, except they are designed for people who only need to replace a few teeth. They improve your chewing and smiling and also help preserve your remaining natural teeth.

Most partial dentures are removable, and you shouldn't wear them all day. It's advisable to remove them when going to bed or when you need to clean them to maintain their appeal. However, you can still go for the permanent option, where the dentures will be cemented to your remaining natural teeth.

3. Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are teeth that you get when you lose your natural teeth.

As you know, complete or partial dentures take time to customize. You can only get them when the gum fully heals so they can fit well for an extended period. The immediate dentures provide a handy solution when waiting for your permanent complete or partial dentures.

You can get them as soon as 24 hours after extracting your teeth. They are great, but they may need some adjustments over time. This is because as the gum continues to heal, its alignment changes, so your dentist may modify it to ensure it fits well.

4. Snap in Dentures

Snap-in dentures resemble normal dentures, except that they are fixed to your gum using dental implants.

The implants consist of small screws, mainly made of titanium, which a dentist fixes on your jaw protruding outwards. Furthermore, the dentures come with their own part of the implant, which joins with the other part fixed on the jaw to make the dentures stable.

Due to the dental implants used, snap-in dentures are quite stable compared to the other types of dentures. You don't have to worry about them falling or sliding away when you are eating. They are also versatile because you can remove them when you want to clean, just like traditional dentures. However, these dentures can be costlier compared to the rest of the dentures.

5. Overdentures

Overdentures are another type of dentures that use dental implants.

They can be complete or partial, and you can remove them when you want, just like the snap-in dentures. Moreover, they look like snap-in dentures, except they can be supported by implants or natural teeth.

If you don't have teeth, your dentist must fix them on implants. On the other hand, the dentist can modify your natural teeth so that they can provide support for the implants.

Both tooth-supported dentures and implant-supported ones are great, and getting any of them depends on your current condition and personal preferences. For the best results, be sure to work with an experienced dentist who will not only fix the teeth but also advise you on what's best.

6. Economy Dentures

Last on our list are economy dentures, which are the most affordable of all options.

They are designed for people with a tight budget but still want to fill the gap in their missing teeth. These dentures are not custom-made but are always ready-made. You use them as they are.

As such, you may experience a little discomfort when wearing them because they may not perfectly fit the configuration of your gum. They may also not be as durable and aesthetically appealing as the rest of the dentures, but they are effective if you have a tight budget and need dentures that you can use for a short time, consider economy dentures, and can be a great fit as you work on getting permanent ones.

Conclusion

Dentures replace missing teeth. They provide an incredible solution to missing teeth, allowing one to live a normal life.

With them, you can chew, smile, and even talk without the fear of people noticing your missing teeth. They are all removable, so you can clean them when not eating or outside. If you need dentures, review the options to make an informed decision.

You can also ask your dentist to help you pick the most suitable for you based on your needs.