Whether it’s through injury or through health problems, losing your adult teeth can be difficult. There are a number of cosmetic solutions for missing teeth, but if you’re all or mostly just gums, you may want to consider dentures. These removable dental appliances will restore your smile with a natural look. Today, we’ll discuss the types of dentures on the market so you know what is available.
Types of Dentures
The three main types of dentures are complete (or full) dentures, partial dentures, and dental implants.
Complete/Full Dentures
These dentures are for individuals who are missing all of their natural teeth in either the lower or upper jaw, or in both. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and jaw so the dental lab can make the best-looking and most natural-feeling dentures for your mouth. When your dentures are made, your dentist will place them and then make adjustments as needed—you want your dentures to feel as comfortable as possible!
Most complete dentures are made in advance, i.e., before you have decaying teeth removed. This way, you won’t have to spend time without any teeth, but the dentures may require more adjustments. Another option is to have the dentures made after all of your teeth have been removed/fallen out. This will create a more accurate impression, leading to less adjustments, but you will have to spend a few weeks toothless.
You’ll receive instructions from your dentist regarding how to care for your dentures, when and how long to wear them, and whether or not you can purchase adhesives to better keep them in place. Follow these instructions, and your new teeth will serve you well for many years!
Partial Dentures
If complete dentures are for individuals who have lost all of their natural teeth, then—you may have guessed it!—partial dentures are for those who have lost only most of their teeth. This type of denture features replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base, and will usually come with metal framework to ensure the dentures don’t move around. Partial dentures also help maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth.
Just as with full dentures, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth, place the dentures, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they are comfortable and look natural.
Dental Implants
Other types of dentures come as an appliance you can remove, but with dental implants, replacement teeth are individually and surgically placed into your gums. This solution is more invasive, but it is also more secure, as you won’t have to worry as much about implants falling out or breaking. However, not every person’s jawbone can withstand surgical implants, so talk to your dentist to make an educated decision.
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Once your dentures are complete, you can enjoy the feeling of having a full set of teeth once more! You can read more about dentures from Wilkinson Dental here. Check out these before and after photos too!
Looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist to provide you with dentures? If you live in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!