What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances designed to fit comfortably over your gums, featuring 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 partial or full set for the upper or lower jaw. Unlike fixed options like bridges or dental implants, dentures can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance, and 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 you depends on the number and health of your remaining natural teeth. If you still have some strong, healthy teeth, partial dentures can be an effective solution. However, if all your upper or lower teeth are missing or need to be extracted, a full denture may be the ideal choice.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are designed to replace all upper, lower, or both sets of teeth. However, dental treatments are not one-size-fits-all. The design, creation, and placement of full dentures are tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Conventional Full Denture
This type of denture is crafted and placed after the removal of all teeth and the full healing of the surrounding tissues. The wait ensures a precise, comfortable fit for the denture once healing is complete.
Immediate Denture
An immediate denture is placed immediately after tooth extraction, so patients don’t have to go without teeth during the healing process. However, adjustments and relining may be necessary as the tissues heal, and in some cases, a conventional denture may be recommended for long-term comfort.
Overdenture
An overdenture is a full denture that’s stabilized by attachments to either remaining natural teeth or dental implants, providing extra support and a more secure fit.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are anchored to a series of dental implants surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw. These implants provide precise attachment points, greatly improving the stability and retention of the denture for a more natural feel and function.
Partial Dentures
When some healthy teeth remain, partial dentures offer an effective solution for replacing missing teeth. These dentures achieve stability and retention through clasps or precision attachments to the teeth adjacent to the gaps (edentulous areas).
Removable partial dentures not only restore the appearance and function of your smile but also stabilize your bite, preventing the remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
Like full dentures, the design and fabrication of partial dentures vary depending on individual needs. Advances in dental technology and materials provide more options for partial dentures, with supportive frameworks made from materials like cast metal, flexible resins, and hybrid materials.
At Pearl Dental Studio, we are committed to creating healthy, beautiful smiles. You can rely on us to design a custom partial denture that fits comfortably, looks great, and provides lasting support for your dental health.