Dentures are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth to restore the structure and function of your mouth. They’re removable, not as complex to implement compared to implants, and they can make your smile look better than ever.
But there are many different types of dentures at your disposal, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks that are unique to each situation. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of replacement dentures so you can have a better idea of which one might be right for you.
What Different Types of Dentures Are Available?
When you think of dentures, you probably think of a set of teeth that can be put in and out of your mouth at your disposal. And while that’s sort of the case, there’s a lot more to it than that. Here are the different types of dentures for replacement teeth.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also called complete dentures, are removable devices that replace both your top and bottom teeth. Essentially, this is a dental piece that replaces all of your teeth and restores the function of your entire mouth and jaw.
The upper and lower teeth in conventional dentures rest on the gum tissue, with suction helping to keep them in place. Many people opt for dental adhesive, which can be used on these pieces to better glue the dentures in place to avoid sliding and slipping.
With proper care and maintenance, these can last about five to ten years before needing to be replaced. These are great, flexible options for people who want to be able to remove their dentures when they want. They also have a relatively short recovery period and are cost-effective. The major downside is that compared to other options, conventional dentures don’t last as long, and they have a tendency to slip and slide around.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures work similarly to full dentures, but the main difference is that they only fill in a gap created by missing teeth – they don’t replace the entire jaw. These usually clip to surrounding teeth to fill in spaces and restore the look of your mouth.
These are great options when you’re only missing a small portion of your teeth. While they are sometimes uncomfortable when eating or drinking, they can be easily removed and replaced when necessary.
Temporary Dentures
Also called immediate dentures, these can be fitted immediately after your teeth are removed so you can carry on as normal while your permanent dentures are being created and fitted.
It takes time for the lab to fit and make a pair of dentures that are perfectly aligned with your jaw, but after your teeth are extracted, you’ll naturally need something to be able to chew and speak. Immediate dentures can be placed the same day as extraction so you can eat, drink, and talk until your permanent ones come in.
Temporary dentures also let you get used to the feeling of wearing dentures. This reduces pressure on the gums without any major lifestyle changes. As their name implies, temporary dentures are not a permanent solution, but they may be recommended for use in the time between your tooth removal and permanent denture fitting.
Anchored Dentures
One of the main drawbacks of conventional dentures is that they do not fit the gums well, and they have the potential to pop off or slip around in the mouth as you talk to chew. While dental adhesives fix that, these can be just as uncomfortable to put on, and they aren’t foolproof.
One way to fix these issues is with anchored dentures. These are dentures that are held in place by a number of dental implants that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Once these heal, the anchored dentures can be attached to these implants for a secure, snug fit that doesn’t loosen or slide around.
This is the best way to combine the effectiveness of implants with the ease of use of dentures. It ensures that your dentures fit perfectly while still giving you the freedom to remove them whenever you want.
Renew uses a SureSNAP Stabilization System that provides security and peace of mind. This lets us create a more secure hold for your dentures by connecting your new teeth to the implants directly. This way, you can easily remove the piece when you don’t want it in.
This system is only offered at Renew, so schedule a consultation today to see if anchored dentures are the right fit for you.
Which Type of Dentures Should I Get?
The type of dentures you get are mostly individual, and certain situations might warrant different treatments or methods. But the bottom line is that your dentist will probably have a better idea of what’s right for you, so schedule an appointment with them to see what they recommend.
If you’re worried about dentures because of the fact that they have a tendency not to fit well, it might be a good idea to lean toward anchored dentures or dental implants. Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth, whereas anchored dentures are a happy medium between the temporary accessibility of dentures and the permanent reliability of implants.
In Conclusion
Dentures can replace missing teeth with ease, and there are plenty of different kinds for all situations. Full, conventional dentures replace all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, whereas partial dentures replace just a few teeth to fill in the gaps. Temporary dentures are used in the interim between when teeth are extracted and when permanent dentures are created.
Most dentures adhere to the gums, which can cause them to slip and slide around. To fix this, anchored dentures by Renew attach directly to sturdy dental implants for a secure fit that still allows for the accessibility of conventional dentures.
Schedule your consultation today to rejuvenate, revamp, and renew your smile.
Sources:
Types of dentures – InformedHealth.org | NCBI Bookshelf