What are the Types of Dentures?

Has your dentist recently suggested it is time to have teeth extracted due to decay or gum disease? This discussion can be disheartening and may make you feel like you are losing your smile. Fortunately, today there are so many tooth replacement options available to give you a healthy and functional smile. One of these that is more common than you may know is dentures. There are many different types of dentures and one of these types may be a perfect fit for you. Here is more information on the different types of dentures available.

Traditional Full Dentures

For the individuals who have to have all of their teeth extracted, a full set of dentures may be the best choice. Traditional full dentures are designed to rest on top of the gums and are not permanently fixed in the mouth. This type of denture is not anchored to anything in the mouth and can be removed each night. Traditional full dentures will be custom made to fit your mouth and jaw. The casting and fitting process occurs approximately 8-12 weeks after the extraction procedure.

Partial Dentures

For individuals who just have some or a few teeth extracted, a partial denture prosthetic may be a good replacement option. These partial denture options are great when used in addition to natural teeth. Partial dentures are constructed from both metal and acrylic materials, so they are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Partial dentures are designed to be removed but help serve the purpose of maintaining the shape and structure of the teeth, gums, and tissues in the mouth.

Custom Dentures

Custom dentures, which can be full or partial, are made specifically for you to give you the most natural-looking smile. Custom dentures are usually made from more expensive materials, like porcelain. While they make take more time to fit and result in a higher cost, the product is a set of dentures that fit you perfectly.

Immediate Dentures

Also called same day dentures, immediate dentures are designed to wear immediately after the extraction procedure is complete. In most cases, there is a necessary healing period required post tooth extraction which involves 8-12 weeks of waiting before dentures can be fit. For good candidates, immediate dentures are an option that eliminates this waiting period. An additional benefit is that immediate dentures can help expedite the healing process by protecting the tissue and gums.

Implant Supported Dentures

An option that is a combination of two of the above types is the implant supported denture. After a dental implant has been fixed it can act as a stable support for the dentures to be attached to. Implant supported dentures are durable and secure, and unlike other denture types they are permanently fixed in your mouth, which can reduce irritation from sliding or poor fit.

More About Dentures : What are Partial Dentures?