Tooth loss is an unfortunate side effect of not only aging or poor oral hygiene but can also result from trauma, underlying medical conditions, certain medication, or even genetics. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to patients that allow them to replace missing teeth and bring back their smile. For patients who need to replace all of their teeth, there are different types of dentures available. Replacing missing teeth is not only important to your oral health but also your overall health. Having one or two missing teeth in one area of your mouth can quickly lead to bone deterioration and the loss of additional teeth.
Types of Traditional Dentures
Dentures are one of the easiest ways to replace a significant number of missing teeth. Most people imagine a traditional denture that is removable but there are actually a number of types of dentures available. All dentures are fabricated using an acrylic base that is tinted to match the patients gun to shoot with ceramic or porcelain teeth that are tinted to match the rest of their teeth. Not everyone is a candidate for all types of denture but your Dentist will help determine which type will best suit your lifestyle.
Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures are one of the most common types of dentures and can be partial or full. A partial denture replaces a few teeth in one area of the mouth and relies on healthy neighboring teeth to be held in place using hooks or clasps. A full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth and one or both arches. A folder and share is held in place using retention and suction as well as a denture adhesive when necessary. A full upper denture covers the entire roof of the mouth and a lower denture is horse-shoe shaped to allow space for the tongue.
A traditional denture is placed 6 to 8 weeks after teeth are extracted and is easily removed by the patient for cleaning and sleeping.
Immediate Denture
An immediate denture is the same as a traditional denture but it is able to be placed immediately after extractions.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed partial denture that cannot be removed by the patient. For patients who are missing a few teeth in one area of the mouth, they may prefer a fixed denture. Where a traditional partial denture uses hooks or clasps to stay in place, a dental bridge is secured using dental crowns on either side of a fake tooth and the crowns are cemented onto the neighboring healthy teeth.
The downside of a dental bridge is that healthy tooth structure must be removed to allow space for the crowns. If you do not feel a removable partial denture is right for you, speak with your Dentist about a dental bridge.
Custom and Economy Denture
A custom denture is a denture made specifically for you! A custom denture is usually fabricated using more expensive materials but the patient has an added benefit of being able to see their denture before it is placed.
An economy denture is a type of generic denture that may not fit properly and often look fake. The patient will typically need to use a denture adhesive to keep the denture secure. An economy denture is more cost-effective for some patients.
Alternatives to Traditional Dentures
There are also denture options for patients who would prefer a more permanent solution instead of a denture that it's to be removed every night. Dental implants can be used for denture stabilization and are much more comfortable and natural looking. An implant supported denture cannot be removed by the patient but is removed by the Dentist for professional cleanings and maintenance.
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed directly into the jawbone by an oral surgeon or a periodontist. Implants act as artificial tooth roots and also help support bone health. Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants but your Dentist will help determine if implants are the right treatment for you.
To place an implant, your implant doctor will administer a local anesthetic before making a small incision in the gum tissue. They will then drill a small hole into the jaw bone and place the titanium post. A small portion of the implant remains above the gum tissue, which is sutured up around the post. A temporary abutment, or healing cap, is placed over the implant to protect it from damage and infection as you heal.
Healing time after implant placement can be up to six months during which the implant will integrate with your jaw bone to provide a stable base for your implant restoration. Implants work to support bone structure by stimulating bone regeneration just like natural tooth roots. Without something in place to stimulate bone growth, bone tissue can begin to deteriorate and can actually change your facial structure. Traditional dentures can promote bone deterioration since they simply sit above the gum tissue. As the bone deteriorates, the denture becomes ill-fitting and uncomfortable to wear.
Implant-supported Denture
An implant-supported denture uses 4 to 6 dental implants to support a full denture. Also called an all-on-four, an implant-supported denture is a great option for patients who are willing and able to endure the extensive treatment time.
Implant-supported dentures are one of the most natural-looking options and even though they are significantly more expensive than traditional dentures, they have a longer lifespan than which can make them more cost effective in the long run. Traditional dentures need to be replaced every ten years or so but implant-supported dentures can easily last up to 25 years, only needing to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. This is a permanent denture that cannot be removed by the patient, only by a Dentist.
Snap-in Denture
A snap-in denture is more cost effective than an all-on-four but is just as stable and secure. This type of denture is still held in place using dental implants but has special attachments that enable it to be removed by the patient for oral care and sleeping.