Dentures are prosthetic devices that are used to replace missing teeth. There are two types of dentures that can you can choose depending on your needs: full or partial dentures. The professionals at South Florida Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will work with you to determine if dentures are the right option for you. Dentures are custom-made from impressions taken of your mouth and with the advancements in this device, dentures look and feel more natural than ever before.
What are the types of dentures available?
There are three main denture options that are available, and the right option will be determined by you and your medical professional.
Full Dentures: Full dentures are used when all teeth are missing or need to be replaced. Full or complete dentures are made for you after all the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue is healed. This healing process can take up to two months. There is an upper and lower prosthetic device created for a complete denture application. An upper denture features a plate, which covers the roof of your mouth, while the lower denture is horseshoe-shaped and rests securely on the gum and bone tissues.
Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when some of the natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. The partial denture is created to fill in the gaps where replacement teeth are needed. The partial denture is attached to a gum-colored base, which is sometimes connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures can be removable or fixed in place. This device is not only for appearance but serves to help the remaining teeth stay in place.
Immediate dentures: An immediate denture can be either full or partial, the only difference is that these dentures are placed the same day that the natural teeth are removed. There are several benefits to immediate dentures, the most common desire for immediate placement is that there is no time spent without teeth. This alleviates the concerns of being seen in public with missing or no teeth. Another benefit is that you do not have to spend time learning to speak or eat without teeth, which can be challenging for some. Also, placing dentures when teeth are still present, allows for better teeth matching, making it simpler to match color, teeth placement and shape. The only real disadvantage to immediate dentures is the increase in cost due to more follow-up visits needed for adjustments and re-fitting.
Fixed Dentures: Advances in implant dentistry have allowed patients who have failing teeth or who require dentures to have non-removable dentures. These dentures are fixated to implants to allow for a more natural appearing and feeling dentition. These dentures are not removable and only can be removed by a dentist. The surgeons at South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery specialize in delivering this kind of care and will help each patient to determine if this option is right for them.
Many people fear that dentures are an inevitable part of aging. However, this is not necessarily the case for everyone. There are a lot of preventative measures that can be taken that will increase your chances of having your natural teeth throughout your lifetime. By following some basic dental health rules and taking good care of your teeth, you can work to avoid problems before they begin. To avoid dentures, brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular dental cleanings. These tips may not guarantee that you will not need dentures in the future, but they will help minimize the possibility.