Although older people wear dentures more than people in any other age demographic, they are far from the only ones to benefit from this replacement tooth option. Dentures can be a good choice for people who have lost natural teeth to an injury or oral health condition as well.

Understanding the Design of Dentures

Dentures can replace several missing teeth or the entire top and bottom rows of natural teeth. The replacement teeth, which look and function just like regular teeth, attach to a plastic retainer that patients wear throughout the day. The patient’s jawbone and gum tissues support the new prosthetic device. Because they attach to a retainer-like device, patients can remove dentures to brush their teeth or when they just need a break from wearing them. However, it is important not to remove dentures too often or the facial muscles could begin to sag in the absence of teeth.

What Are the Different Types of Dentures?

A patient’s dental team at Southbridge Dentistry will recommend a specific type of dentures after completing a thorough oral exam that includes X-rays. They will also consider the patient’s preferences, budget, and aesthetic goals when creating a treatment plan.

Complete dentures replace all natural teeth in both the top and bottom rows of the jaw. Complications of aging is the most typical reason for people to lose all their teeth and require complete dentures. Patients requiring complete dentures may receive one of the following two types:

  • Conventional dentures: These are the most common and well-known type of complete dentures. The dentists at Southbridge Dentistry create these types of dentures according to the unique needs of each patient. The first step in receiving complete conventional dentures is to schedule an appointment for impressions of the mouth, gums, and jaws. These impressions provide the dentist with customized sizing options. Patients will need to wait several days for their new conventional dentures to come back from the dental laboratory before scheduling a fitting.
  • Immediate dentures: Our dental laboratory creates immediate dentures that our dentists provide to patients in a single appointment. While this is convenient, patients should keep in mind that immediate dentures may not fit as well as conventional dentures. If they become too uncomfortable to wear, patients will need to schedule additional appointments for a fitting adjustment.

Partial dentures replace two or more missing teeth on the same arch. The replacement teeth attach to a plastic base that patients wear like a retainer. Installing metal framework around the replacement teeth provides additional stability and allows the plastic device to remain firmly secure in the mouth. However, patients can still remove it when necessary.

Implant-supported partial dentures remain permanently affixed in the mouth. A dentist first installs the small rods that support the artificial teeth and then attaches the new teeth to the implant once the jaw has had a chance to heal.

Could You Benefit from Dentures?

Dentures could be a good replacement tooth option if you are missing two or more natural teeth. To learn more about Southbridge Dentistry’s process of receiving dentures and whether you are a good candidate, please schedule a consultation here or call (303) 798-4967 today.