It can be difficult to smile if you are missing teeth. After all, a smile speaks volumes about you.
- Confidence
- Attractiveness
- Social life
- Professionalism
- Health
What are specialty and regular dentures?
Dentures are orthodontic appliances used to replace missing teeth. They come in a variety of options to suit your needs, preference and budget. Yet, most patients do not realize just how many different options there are. There are more materials, appliances and procedures you can choose. Dentures are available as fixed or removable and complete or partial.
What are complete dentures?
These are the standard dentures most people consider. They are designed when patients are missing all their teeth. A complete denture ends just behind the hard bone in the roof of the mouth and relies on suction to stay in place.
What are immediate dentures?
These temporary dentures are often made before doctor extracts all your natural teeth. These dentures only need one or two preliminary appointments. The denture acts like a band aid to help reduce pain and stop bleeding after extraction. Since your gum shrinks over time, you may need to have these adjusted more often, or replaced.
What are overdentures or transitional dentures?
This removable denture fits over a few remaining natural teeth or dental implants. Dentists find that even one healthy tooth can help stabilize an otherwise unstable denture. These dentures leave holes to allow a remaining tooth to poke through it. Keep in mind that sometimes remaining teeth may become lost as well. If that happens you may need to upgrade to a different denture at that time.
What are partial dentures or bridges?
Instead of a full set of teeth, partial dentures replace a few missing teeth in one area of the mouth. The appliance can be permanent or removable and fills the gap between two healthy teeth.
What are implant-supported dentures?
This type of denture attaches to four or six dental implants for added support. This type of denture is for patients who have no teeth on the lower jaw but enough bone to support dental implants. While the denture is removable for cleaning and sleeping, dental implants remain in place.
What are implant-retained dentures?
These are much like implant-supported dentures, but with one important difference. As the jaw bone deteriorates, a local nerve migrates to where the premolars used to be. If this happens, when you bite down, it causes sharp or burning pain. Thus, the dentist adds a bar retaining system that extends over the area. The denture gets full support from the implants and keeps pressure off of the tissue and nerve.
What are implant-fixed hybrid dentures?
This type of denture also relies on four or six dental implants for support. It is generally recommended for patients who have lost all their teeth on the lower or upper jaw. These fixed hybrid dentures do not cover the palate. Thus, allowing you to feel the temperature and taste of your food.Dentist will screw this denture onto the dental implants. Once in place, only doctor can remove them.
What is the Procedure for Dentures?
Though the number of appointments may vary for each type of denture, the general idea is much the same.
During the first visit, doctor will take X-rays and a set of impressions of your toothless gums. The dental lab will use this, along with dental notes to create your dentures.
During the next visit, the dentist will determine the length of the replacement teeth. This information goes to the dental lab so they can create a wax up of your dentures. Doctor will adjust the fit of your dentures as needed. Properly fitted dentures do not slip around, click together, or impede eating or speaking.
When your dentures are ready, you will have one final visit. This is when dentist will insert your dentures and make the final adjustments. You walk out of the office with a new smile.