What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to fit comfortably over the gums. They consist of artificial teeth that closely resemble natural teeth, supported by a base. Dentures provide a cost-effective solution for replacing missing teeth, whether you need a few or a full set for the upper or lower jaws. Unlike fixed options such as bridges or dental implants, dentures can be easily removed for cleaning and oral hygiene maintenance, and they can also be taken out at night while you sleep.
Types of Dentures
There are two main types of removable dentures: full dentures and partial dentures. The best option for your smile depends on the number of natural teeth remaining and their overall health. If you still have some strong natural teeth, a partial denture can be an effective solution. On the other hand, if all of your upper or lower teeth are missing or need to be extracted, a complete denture may be the ideal choice for you.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are an excellent option for replacing the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. It’s important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in dental treatments. The design, creation, and placement of full dentures are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Conventional Full Denture
After the removal of all remaining teeth and sufficient healing of the surrounding tissues, a full denture is created and inserted. Fabricating the denture after complete healing ensures a precise and comfortable fit.
Immediate Denture
An immediate denture enables patients to have teeth right after extraction, eliminating the waiting period for complete healing. While this provides the benefit of not being toothless, it may require adjustments and a reline as the tissues heal. In some cases, a conventional denture may ultimately be necessary for optimal comfort and fit.
Overdenture
An overdenture is a complete denture that gains added stability and support through special attachments. These attachments are secured either to the remaining natural teeth or to specialized dental implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
This type of denture is known as an implant-supported denture because it attaches to a specific number of implants strategically placed in the upper or lower jaw. These implants function as small surgical posts, providing precise attachment points for the denture and significantly improving stability and retention.
Partial Dentures
In cases where some strong teeth remain, partial dentures can effectively replace missing teeth. These dentures typically achieve adequate retention and stability through clasps or precision attachments on the teeth adjacent to the edentulous areas (the spaces where teeth are missing).
Removable partial dentures can fill the gaps left by individual or multiple missing teeth, restoring the appearance and function of a complete smile. In addition to filling these voids, partial dentures help stabilize the bite and prevent the remaining natural teeth from drifting.
Like full dentures, the design and fabrication of partial dentures vary based on each patient’s specific needs. With advancements in dental materials and technology, partial denture wearers now have more options than ever. The supportive framework of a partial denture can be made from various materials, including cast metal, flexible resins, and hybrid materials.
At Pearl Dental Studio, we are committed to creating healthy and beautiful smiles. As your trusted partner in care, you can rely on us to design and fabricate a denture that looks great, fits comfortably, and serves you well for years to come.