When it comes to dentures, patients today have plenty of choices. There are two broad categories of dentures: complete and partial. And each category contains various types of dentures that are suitable for particular situations, have different price points, and sometimes require specific care.
Complete dentures are necessary when all of your teeth are missing, while partial dentures work well when you still have some healthy natural teeth.
If you have questions about dentures, book an appointment with the experts at Modern Age Dentistry to learn which option might work best for you.
If you need complete dentures, there are two different methods: conventional and immediate.
With conventional dentures, your dentist removes any remaining teeth. All of the tissues in your mouth are allowed to heal before impressions are taken to create your dentures.
The downside of conventional dentures is that it can take several months between the time your teeth are removed and your dentures are ready to wear. However, conventional dentures usually require fewer adjustments than immediate dentures.
The cost of conventional dentures varies depending on the level of customization and the materials used. Basic conventional dentures with a limited warranty will cost far less than premium conventional dentures.
Premium conventional dentures are customized, made of higher-end materials that look more like natural teeth and gums, and may have a 5-10 year warranty against chipping and cracking.
Immediate dentures are made before your remaining teeth are removed, and they’re placed immediately. Their primary advantage is that you won’t have to go without teeth while the tissues in your mouth heal.
On the downside, as your mouth heals following the removal of your teeth, your gums and bones will recede, reshaping your mouth. You may need several dental visits for adjustments before your dentures fits comfortably.
Immediate dentures are generally considered temporary and are only worn until conventional dentures can be made. You will need to purchase the immediate dentures as well as the eventual conventional dentures, so there’s an additional cost.
When you have some healthy natural teeth, the experts at Modern Age Dentistry may recommend partial dentures. Partial dentures usually consist of a metal framework with attached replacement teeth. The framework may have clasps that attach to your remaining teeth or have internal attachments.
Partial dentures keep your remaining teeth from moving, improve the look of your smile, and can help prevent decay of your remaining teeth. Whenever possible, partial dentures are preferred because there is extra support for the denture and your jawbone is preserved.
Many people experience some soreness and may feel awkward at first. However, as your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures and your dentist fine-tunes the fit, both of those problems should be resolved.
You may need to wear your dentures 24 hours a day at first — that’s the fastest way for your dentist to identify where and how your dentures need to be adjusted. After the initial period, you will likely want to remove your dentures at night.
Regardless of the type of dentures you have, you will want to take care of them. Brushing is important for denture wearers because it removes food particles, prevents plaque buildup, and may prevent staining. You should use a soft brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. The professionals at Modern Age Dentistry can recommend the appropriate products.
When you’re not wearing your dentures, you’ll want to keep them in a safe place, covered in water to keep them from warping.
Whether or not you should use an adhesive depends on several factors. Your dentist will discuss the use of adhesives with you and, if necessary, recommend products for your situation.
