Losing teeth can significantly impact daily life, affecting everything from eating and speaking to self-confidence. Dentures are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. A denture is a removable appliance that is made to resemble your natural teeth and fit comfortably in your mouth. Dentures can be made from a variety of materials, though they are typically made of acrylic resin or even porcelain.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures available depending on your specific needs and situation.
Complete dentures, also called full dentures, are used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth (either upper, lower, or both). Complete dentures rest directly on the gums and are usually held in place with a denture adhesive.
If you are missing one or more teeth but still have many healthy teeth remaining, partial dentures may work for you. Partial dentures typically rely on your remaining teeth to stay in place.
Another type of denture is an overdenture. While similar to traditional removable dentures, overdentures are designed to fit over your remaining natural teeth or over dental implants. They typically snap into place and do not require an adhesive, which often makes them more comfortable than traditional dentures.
A fixed denture is another implant-supported denture. A fixed denture is similar to an implant overdenture except it cannot be removed. It is held in place by multiple dental implants to cover an entire arch of the mouth. You can brush and floss your fixed denture just like you would your natural teeth.
Some patients need to have all or some of their remaining natural teeth removed before dentures can be placed. For these patients, the gum tissue needs to go through a healing period first, which can take many months. In these cases, immediate dentures can serve as a temporary solution as the gums heal. Immediate dentures may require adjustments or relining during the healing period to maintain a proper fit.
Caring for Dentures
With proper care, dentures can last up to 10 years. The American Dental Association offers several tips for caring for dentures. These include:
- Rinse dentures before brushing.
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush to clean your dentures.
- Keep your dentures in a safe place covered in water.
- Use an ADA-accepted adhesive exactly as directed.
Dentures offer a comfortable, natural-looking and functional solution for tooth loss that can help you regain confidence in your smile and improve your overall quality of life. If you have missing teeth and are interested in exploring options that could work for you, don’t hesitate to contact our team!