What Are Dentures?
Ask a cosmetic dentist and they’ll tell you that dentures are a pretty popular prosthesis. Dentures are synthetic replacements with false teeth to replace missing teeth in the oral cavity. While dentures mostly replace all teeth, some of them are designed to replace a couple of missing teeth.
When a person experiences tooth loss, their facial muscles sag over time. Dentures improve your appearance by filling out your facial profile. The stimulus provided by the denture base also prevents bone resorption to a certain extent. Additionally, dentures help a person to eat, chew and speak properly.
Why Would One Need Dentures?
When someone experiences tooth loss, they might require dentures. The various reasons why one would lose their teeth are –
- Periodontitis (advanced gum disease and bone loss)
- Tooth extraction
- Aging
- Poor oral hygiene
- Severe tooth decay
- Injury
Are There Different Grades Of Dentures (Types Of Dentures)?
Different types of dentures are available at River Rock DDS. Some of the most common types of dentures are listed below.
Traditional Dentures – Removable
Also known as full dentures, traditional dentures are used to replace a mouth with all teeth missing. These are made of two parts –
- The denture base is made of acrylic resin that is gum-colored or pink. These mimic the gum tissues and underlying bone but don’t restore their function.
- The artificial teeth are made of plastic or porcelain. Porcelain teeth are pretty expensive and require an upgrade to the traditional denture.
Dentures require regular checkups at the dentist. Aside from regular checkups, dentures require replacement every 5-7 years.
Partial Dentures – Removable
Partial dentures are removable units used to replace some missing teeth in the mouth. While they are used to replace missing premolars and molars, they can also replace front teeth and a mixture of front and back teeth.
A partial denture consists of –
- The denture base is similar to that of a traditional denture. They are gum-colored and made of acrylic resin.
- The clasps holding the partial denture in place. They are made of metal or flexible pink plastic.
- The artificial teeth replacing the missing teeth.
If you’re someone who has a couple of missing teeth, partial dentures are a great option for you.
Fixed Dental Bridges
Fixed dental bridges are similar to partial dentures with the exception that they aren’t removable. These are supported by dental implants that are placed surgically in the jaw bone.
Porcelain crowns are attached to the dental implants to fill in the gaps. These are ideal for someone who has 3 or more missing teeth in a row.
Immediate Dentures – Temporary Dentures
Immediate dentures are temporary dentures that are placed right after tooth extraction. The primary purpose of an immediate denture is to eliminate the period where a patient is “toothless”. However, they don’t provide adequate speaking and chewing properties until the patient has completely healed.
Once the healing from the surgery has taken place, temporary dentures can handle normal eating and chewing pressures for a limited period.
These dentures are great for anyone with sensitive teeth and gums. They can also be worn a few weeks before the placement of a permanent denture for a smoother transition.
There are two types of immediate dentures –
- Conventional immediate dentures
- Interim immediate dentures
Conventional ones are more natural-looking. Additionally, they are much better than interim ones since the latter is cheaply made and meant to last only a small period.
Overdentures
Famous as implant-supported dentures, these are held in place with the help of implants. Overdentures can be placed on both upper and lower jaws. These are removable, stable, and natural-looking. Furthermore, they are better than traditional dentures and also more comfortable.
The main disadvantage that overdentures have is that they are invasive, and hence, expensive. The invasive procedure also leads to longer recovery times. However, they can last a lifetime with adequate care.
Implant-supported overdentures are also called “snap-in dentures”.
All-On-4 Implant Dentures
These are perfect for patients requiring a complete set of dentures. All-On-4 implant dentures replace all the missing teeth in the upper and lower jaws with the help of four dental implants. While these remain irremovable by patients, dentists can remove them.
These are extremely durable than traditional dentures. Additionally, they are more natural-looking than overdentures because they don’t require the bulkiness and fullness that the latter does.
What Are The Highest Quality Dentures Made Of?
Acrylic resin, porcelain, and partial metal are the most popular material for dentures. While these make the highest quality dentures, there are pros and cons to each of them.
Acrylic Resin
Acrylic resins stand at the first position for the choice of denture material. Colgate and the National Institutes of Health claim that edentulous patients prefer acrylic resin for their dentures. The reason for this is that acrylic resin produces cost-effective and lightweight dentures which fit snugly. Additionally, these are more comfortable and adjust easily with the patient’s bite. The downside is that they aren’t as sturdy as porcelain dentures.
Porcelain
Porcelain dentures don’t have to be replaced as much as acrylic ones but are relatively more expensive. They are extremely durable and look like natural teeth.
Partial Metal
These have a metal base and are smaller. The artificial teeth are made of composite and resin. Furthermore, they are carefully shade-matched to the color of the patient’s natural tooth. While they tend to cost more, they not only look great but are also very comfortable for the patient to wear.
If you or a loved one is experiencing tooth loss and require replacement, take a trip down to River Rock Dental Downtown Shakopee. Our expert cosmetic dentist will take a look at you and advise you on the best route to take. Additionally, they will also help you decide which denture will work best for you and your needs.
Give us a call at (952) 445-5556 today to schedule an appointment with the leading experts in cosmetic dentistry. Our goal is to craft not only the smile you want but also the smile you need.
