Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth. Unlike dental implants and dental bridges, which are more or less permanently affixed to the bone or existing teeth, dentures are prosthetic teeth that are removable . Dentures can be removed at night, for cleaning, or whenever desired. The most affordable dentures are those made with traditional plastic prosthetic teeth, but even more expensive porcelain cosmetic dentures usually cost less than implants. Read the sections below for an overview of the various types of dentures.
There are several types of dentures available; their cost will vary depending on the materials used.
There are several types of dentures available; their cost will vary depending on the materials used.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are for those patients who have lost all of their natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both. Full dentures restore confidence in one's appearance, and help the wearer to speak and eat normally, although, due to the fact that they are not permanently attached to the dental tissue, these functions can be compromised if the supporting tissue is not of ideal shape or form.
There are two types of full dentures:
For those who have lost some teeth, but don't want to get dental implants or bridges, partial dentures are an affordable option. Removable partial dentures are held in place by natural teeth, gums, and a connective structure made of plastic and metal.
Full dentures are for those patients who have lost all of their natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both. Full dentures restore confidence in one's appearance, and help the wearer to speak and eat normally, although, due to the fact that they are not permanently attached to the dental tissue, these functions can be compromised if the supporting tissue is not of ideal shape or form.
There are two types of full dentures:
- Conventional Dentures: Conventional dentures are those that are placed once the bones and gums have healed after the removal of natural teeth. While there is a waiting period that can be frustrating, the dentures normally fit right the first time, since the new shape of the mouth and gums has been established. Conventional dentures are also the most affordable dentures options
- Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures, as the name implies, are placed as soon as the natural teeth are removed. With immediate dentures, the patient need not face the world without teeth, can eat normally much sooner than with conventional dentures, and does not have the speech problems associated with the normal denture process. However, since healing of the gums and jaw will change the fit of immediate dentures, the patient will typically need some adjustments at a later date.
For those who have lost some teeth, but don't want to get dental implants or bridges, partial dentures are an affordable option. Removable partial dentures are held in place by natural teeth, gums, and a connective structure made of plastic and metal.
