How to Make the Right Dentures Choice

In the past, dentures have only been known as an unsightly and unrealistic-looking removable appliance for teeth, but today, dentures are in the running for one of the best options to replace missing teeth. If you are considering getting dentures to replace a few or all of your teeth, we know you will be pleased with the replacement results you receive. Today's dental restoration technology creates dentures that look and feel more realistic than ever before while also providing you with necessary everyday mouth functions.

When it comes to choosing the right dentures, you may not know where to begin. You should know there are two main types of dentures: full or complete dentures and partial dentures. Depending on your specific needs, the option you choose will allow you to eat and speak naturally with a short adjustment period. If you are ready to improve your quality of life by getting the right dentures, let's begin discussing the main difference between complete and partial dentures.

Full/Complete Dentures: Complete dentures are the option you should choose if you have lost all of your teeth. These dentures will replace all of your missing teeth with a full set of realistic-looking prosthetics. Complete dentures come in two varieties: conventional and immediate. Conventional complete dentures are created for the mouth and gums that have had time to completely heal following the removal of the last tooth. The ideal time to receive conventional dentures is two to four months following the loss of the last of your teeth. Conventional dentures can be designed to precisely match and fit on your gum tissues following a tooth extraction. We advise most people to wait to receive conventional dentures if possible.

Immediate dentures are created for your mouth prior to the removal of the last of your teeth. They are created for immediate placement in your mouth, leaving no time for a thorough gum tissue healing. The positive to this option is that wearers will not have to go anytime without a teeth replacement and will be able to chew and speak with dentures from the get-go. The drawback to immediate dentures is that the gums and jaw often go through a shrinking process during healing. This makes the immediate dentures fit loosely and incorrectly, requiring more than one follow-up visit in a short period in most cases. If you receive immediate dentures, it will most likely be as a temporary solution until your conventional dentures are made.

Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are the best option if you still have some remaining strong teeth. They are designed to replace a select few teeth in order to make chewing and speaking easier and to alleviate extra pressure on the chewing surfaces of remaining teeth. You can receive removable partial dentures or fixed partial dentures depending on your needs and wants. Removable partial dentures are the most common.

This is the simplest breakdown of your dentures options. When you visit for an examination to receive dentures, we will be able to help you narrow down your choices for the option that will serve you best for years to come.