Did you know that the earliest record of dentures is way back in the seventh century? Etruscans had fashioned them from human and animal teeth.
Dentures are a good option if you have one or more missing teeth that affect your mouth's dynamics. They are custom-made by orthodontists to replace missing teeth. They are removable, so you do not have to sleep with them. Dentures allow you to regain the self-esteem that you can lose when you have missing teeth. The orthodontists design them to look as natural as possible and fit in your mouth snuggly.
There have been numerous innovations for dentures since the days of the Etruscans. There are two main types of dentures—partial dentures and full/complete dentures. Let us explore both types to help you choose which one is best for you.
Full Dentures
There are two main types of these dentures:
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Conventional Full Dentures
These dentures are made after the gum has begun to heal after tooth removal. This is usually about 10 to 12 weeks after the tooth removal procedure.
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Immediate Full Dentures
On the other hand, immediate dentures are made before tooth removal. They are usually positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. This means that the patient does not have a period where they lack teeth. However, there is a disadvantage to immediate dentures not present in conventional dentures.
Because the gums and bones shrink after tooth removal, immediate dentures require many adjustments. This fact about immediate dentures means they are only considered temporary until conventional dentures can be fitted.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are also referred to as bridges in some situations. They usually consist of replacement teeth joined to a gum-colored plastic base. This structure may then be fastened to a metallic framework that holds the dentures in place within the mouth.
Dentists employ partial dentures when one or more teeth remain on the lower or upper jaw. A standard partial denture replaces teeth with remaining teeth on either side. The dentist creates a bridge to replace the missing tooth or teeth and places crowns on the adjacent teeth. The bridge is then cemented into place.
One of the significant benefits of partial dentures is preventing the other teeth from shifting. A well-made partial denture has internal attachments instead of clasps. You can remove it, and when you wear it, the internal attachments connect to the adjacent crowns.
Which One Is Right for Me?
Full dentures and partial dentures are both used to fix missing teeth. However, the situations they address differ significantly. Complete dentures are used when many teeth are missing. Dentists can use them to replace the entire jaw if there are no teeth. So if you have no or very few teeth, full dentures are the way to go.
If you have only a few missing teeth, partial dentures are the way to go. These dentures usually attach to your other teeth when replacing a missing tooth. They help maintain the position of your remaining teeth while they correct your smile.
For more on partial and full dentures or to schedule a visit, call Robert A. Rees, DDS, at (858) 295-8082 to reach our office in La Jolla, California.