Types of Dentures

Teeth are a crucial part of your oral health and perform numerous functions, such as chewing, biting, smiling, and even helping you pronounce words. Do you know that lacking one or more teeth can result in speech impediments? It’s true, and some people even develop a lisp because of missing teeth. So whether you’re eating lunch, talking on the phone, or biting into some chocolate, teeth are extremely necessary to get on with daily life. So when tooth loss occurs, it can cause a range of different dental issues.

For one, if you lose one or more teeth, your remaining teeth can become crooked and misaligned. This is because teeth support each other on the gum line, and the loss of one could result in a lack of support for your surrounding teeth. That’s why most people with tooth loss have crooked teeth.

You can opt for a range of different dental treatment options to address tooth loss and preserve jawbone strength. These include dentures, which can help recover from tooth loss effectively.

Understanding Dentures

Dentures are synthetic replacements for your natural teeth that have broken or fallen out due to an accident or other causes. Most prominently, tooth loss occurs due to aging, gum disease, and jawbone degeneration. However, facial injuries can also result in tooth loss at an early age.

For those in need of a way to resolve tooth loss that could potentially bring about more dental concerns, dentures are a suitable option. While some dentures replace a few missing teeth, others replace all the teeth and gums, along with surrounding tissues. Contact Metropolitan Prosthodontics to meet with Dr. Christopher Sasik, D.D.S today!

If you didn’t know already, the facial muscles could sag if you fail to address the missing teeth along your gum line. This happens over time and is highly noticeable. It can make your facial features appear much older.

Types of Denture

Dentures, which are synthetic replacements (dental prosthetics), come in different shapes and sizes. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and that’s why we will learn about the main types of dentures available for preserving natural oral health.

·         Implant-Retained Dentures (Overdentures)

To receive this type of denture for tooth loss, you’ll have to get metal posts in your mouth. These are abutments that the dentist places themselves. Once inside, the implant-retained dentures latch onto the metal posts. This option helps replace entire natural teeth sets and also only a few missing teeth. While better than traditional dentures for chewing and improved stability, the tissues need a break, so you must remember to remove them every night.

·         Implant-Supported Bridge (Fixed Partial Dentures)

Implant-supported bridges or fixed partial dentures (FPD) attach to the remaining teeth. Abutments refer to teeth that provide vital support for the denture to stick in place. Fixed partial dentures stick in place by using the remaining teeth as abutments. To replace missing teeth in a row, this denture relies on dental implants. You can Dr. Christopher Sasik, D.D.S, for more details at Metropolitan Prosthodontics today!

Before you opt for this option, you must know that implant-supported bridges aren’t removable. Prosthodontists only recommend these dentures when the areas with missing teeth have strong teeth in the surroundings as well.

·         Removable Partial Dentures

If you only wish to replace the missing teeth, removable partial dentures are the best option. This denture type comprises a gum-colored plastic base that contains the replacement teeth (synthetic). This type of denture is functional, offers several benefits, and feels completely natural most of the time. For additional strength, this prosthesis might have a cast-metal framework inside. The restoration looks natural and is easy to replace whenever you find it convenient. Do you know that removable partial denture are the best fit for those who don’t qualify for implant-supported bridges?

·         Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are similar to traditional dentures that you may have seen the elderly wear. They are extremely easy to remove and put back in. However, the process to help you get immediate dentures is quite costly. You have to wait nearly 6-8 weeks after the required teeth extraction to get immediate dentures. This is important because once the teeth are removed, your jawbone and extraction site will need some time to heal before an immediate denture prosthesis.

They cover the natural teeth line in your mouth right after a professional dentist like Dr. Christopher Sasik, D.D.S. extracts all of them. Since it’s not directly molded by the dentist to match your natural gum line, this type of denture requires additional upkeep.

·         Complete Denture

Finally, complete dentures are the most common types of denture prostheses that dental patients choose. These replace entire teeth sets in the mouth and are most appropriate when all attempts at natural teeth restorations fail. If you’ve faced ineffective teeth restoration, complete dentures offer a way out.

Since a prosthetic dentist works closely with the patient to create a “complete denture” according to their custom shape and size requirements, they fit and behave like natural teeth. With proper care, they can last very long, and friends won’t be able to tell that they’re different from natural teeth. They allow you to masticate properly with full grinding and crushing abilities. All in all, they are sturdy and robust enough for a typical lifestyle.

Some people often develop minor speech impediments because of the denture material’s thickness. However, most people adapt and grow accustomed to talking with complete dentures. Generally, elderly people are the most common candidates for complete dentures, but younger patients also qualify if they lose all their natural teeth due to some medical condition or a severe accident.

Tips to Care for Your Dentures

Growing accustomed to dentures can take some time. Most people take a few days or weeks, while others can experience difficulties for months before they’re used to wearing dentures. It can take a while before the tongue and cheek muscles grow used to keeping the dentures in place. This is called adaptation which will most likely take place if you’ve healthy tissues and muscles in your mouth.

Irritation and minor soreness isn’t a critical issue. However, for your peace of mind, you can visit Dr. Christopher Sasik, D.D.S, and discuss the complications that you’re facing after getting your dentures applied. It’s common for saliva production to increase in the first couple of days of wearing your dentures. This only happens until the mouth adjusts to the new feeling of the prosthesis.

However, do you know that oral thrust, fungal infections, and plaque buildup can become a consistent issue with poorly-maintained dentures? Here’re some tips to help you keep your dentures clean and hygienic.

·         Tip #1

Buy a soft denture brush to brush your prosthesis regularly and remove plaque.

·         Tip #2

Use a small washcloth to place your removable dentures on the sink when brushing. Synthetic teeth can break easily when you drop them.

·         Tip #3

If you have removable dentures, place them in a denture-cleansing commercial liquid. Do this overnight so you can wear them in the morning for the rest of your day.

Conclusion

Do you require ultimate oral healthcare and dental treatment options? Do you want to turn your life around by getting solutions for your missing teeth? Dr. Christopher Sasik, D.D.S at Metropolitan Prosthodontics, can help you choose the right type of denture and maintain your oral health. Dr. Sasik is an expert in prosthetic dentistry and offers invaluable oral healthcare treatment to his patients.

For more information, you can go through the official website. Call at 763-559-7600 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sasik and address all your dental concerns.

Reference Links:

         I.            https://www.washmosmiles.com/types-of-dentures-explained-and-what-is-best-for-you/

       II.            https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-dentures

     III.            https://www.smilesofchandler.com/types-of-dentures