A beginner’s guide to denture types and procedures – What you need to know

Whether you’re exploring dentures for yourself or a loved one, understanding the different options and processes is essential for making informed decisions about dental health. This comprehensive guide explores various types of dentures, the procedures involved, and the benefits to help you take care of your dental health with confidence.

Understanding Dentures: An Overview

  • Dentures are custom-made artificial teeth and gums designed by dentists to replace natural teeth that have been lost or removed. They are made from materials such as acrylic, resin, nylon, metal, and porcelain.

Dentures come in various types to replace all or only a few missing teeth. Regardless of the type, they are designed to fit your mouth perfectly and match the appearance of your existing teeth.

Types of Dentures

  • With various types of dentures available, the ideal choice for you depends on your oral health requirements.

Complete Dentures

  • Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are oral appliances that replace an entire arch of missing teeth. These dentures sit directly on your gums, utilizing either your palate (the roof of your mouth) or the ridge of your lower jawbone for support.

Some individuals may need to use denture adhesive, a special type of glue, to ensure a secure fit. Traditional full dentures typically have artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored base. Denture wearers typically remove their appliances at night to clean and allow their gums to rest.

Partial Dentures

  • Partial dentures are suitable for individuals missing several or most of their teeth in one or both jaws. Similar to full dentures, partial dentures rely on the gums and underlying bone for support. However, they also feature special clasps that hook around remaining natural teeth, providing extra stability.

Immediate Dentures

  • For individuals undergoing tooth extraction before getting dentures, immediate dentures are a temporary fix. These devices are worn immediately after extractions. Depending on the situation, they may serve as temporary appliances until healing is complete, after which they are replaced with final dentures. Alternatively, final dentures may be worn immediately after surgery, based on your dentist’s recommendations.

Implant-Retained Dentures

  • Instead of resting on your jawbone and gums, implant-retained dentures connect to dental implants. Dental implants are small, screw-like posts inserted into your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Similar to regular dentures, implant-retained ones can be taken out for cleaning and soaking at night.

Implant-retained dentures usually provide better stability than regular ones because they snap onto implants fixed in your jawbone. You don’t need denture glue to keep them in place. That’s why some people call them snap-in dentures.

Fixed Dentures

  • Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures, also known as permanent or hybrid dentures, are fixed in place. They can’t be snapped in and out, and only your dentist can take them out.

Dentists suggest implant-supported dentures for individuals who prefer non-removable oral appliances. However, the downside of these dentures is that they need more extensive daily cleaning, including flossing beneath the denture.

What to Expect During a Denture Consultation?

  • denture types and proceduresDuring a denture consultation, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, including your jaws, gums, and any remaining teeth. They may also take dental X-rays to assess the condition and thickness of your jawbone.

Based on their evaluation, the dentist will discuss your options for dentures. The type of denture that best suits you will depend on various factors, such as:

  • The number of missing teeth.
  • The duration of tooth loss.
  • Your preference for a removable or fixed appliance.
  • The quality of your jawbone.
  • The alignment of your upper and lower jaws.
  • Your individual preferences and needs.

Restore your smile with partial or full dentures at Icon Dental Center. We are one of the best dental professionals operating in Everett and Seattle. Call us today at (206) 225-2882, and let us help you smile with greater confidence.

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