Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth and their adjacent structures. In addition to enhancing appearance, they contribute to better oral health and enable improved functions like efficient chewing and clear speech. While the array of denture treatments might appear overwhelming at first, with the right knowledge, you can select the right solution for your needs. This blog will delve into the types of dentures in detail.
Complete Dentures
These dentures cater to the needs of individuals who have lost all their teeth in the upper or lower arch. These come in two varieties: conventional and immediate. Conventional dentures are created after the extraction of teeth and once the gums heal, which could span several weeks. Immediate dentures, as the name suggests, are positioned immediately after tooth extraction. This ensures individuals don’t have to be without teeth, though adjustments might be required after the gums heal completely.
Partial Dentures
Ideal for individuals who have a few missing teeth. They bridge the gap caused by absent teeth using a precision-crafted metal framework. This setup not only ensures the prosthetic stays in place but also prevents the existing natural teeth from drifting into vacant spaces. Some designs might use crowns on natural teeth as anchor points, providing enhanced stability and a more natural appearance.
Implant-Supported Dentures
These dentures are anchored with dental implants. Especially beneficial for lower jaw dentures, they remain securely in place, eliminating common issues like sliding or gum irritation. A noteworthy feature is their ability to mimic the function of natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone. This helps preserve bone health and prevent facial sagging.
Overdentures
A contemporary solution, overdentures are seated either over the remains of natural teeth or dental implants. These supportive pillars, whether they are natural teeth or implants, serve two main purposes. They enhance the denture’s stability and retention while also offering the comfort of a denture. Additionally, they play an important role in preserving any remaining natural tooth structures and the jawbone.
Factors Influencing Denture Choice
While insights from dentists remain integral to the denture selection process, these considerations can help in choosing a denture type that aligns with your lifestyle and dental needs:
- Oral Health: The overall health of your gums, the state of any remaining teeth and jawbone density are important considerations. For instance, while healthy gums can support a range of dentures, the jawbone’s quality is important for those considering implant-supported variants.
- Aesthetic Preferences: The choice often depends on how natural the dentures appear and how well they blend with the unique shape and contour of an individual’s mouth.
- Lifestyle and Comfort: Your daily activities, dietary preferences and maintenance inclinations can influence the decision.
- Longevity and Durability Expectations: The choice of denture type can also be impacted by personal habits, such as teeth grinding, which can influence the decision based on the desired level of durability.
Contact Our Denture Clinic in Canberra
At The Denture Clinic, we offer comprehensive denture services, including full dentures, partial dentures and denture repairs. Whether it’s teeth loss from an accident, illness, decay or concerns about aesthetics, we are here to help. Contact our denture clinic for more information.
