Dentures are a type of false teeth that can be worn and removed at any time and are designed to substitute missing teeth. Modern dentures are typically made from acrylic resin. Although no tooth replacement option is going to feel or function exactly like real teeth, today’s dentures can be custom fit and styled to the natural aesthetic of your mouth.
Dentures come in two main types: complete and partial dentures.
Complete Dentures
Complete or full dentures are worn when all of your remaining teeth are removed and the gums have made a full recovery suitable to support the dentures. Full dentures typically stay in place via suction and can be removed at any time. Most wearers often find dentures uncomfortable at first but gradually get used to them over time. Complete dentures can include “conventional” or “immediate” dentures.
Conventional dentures are made after your gums have made a full recovery following a tooth extraction. This can take about 3 months after the remaining teeth have been removed. Immediate full dentures are made prior to the patient’s teeth being removed. Immediate dentures can typically be worn immediately after surgery so the patient can substitute their teeth while their gum tissues are recovering.
As the gum and bone tissues heal, their shape will eventually change. This means that immediate dentures will eventually have to be readjusted. Having your dentures readjusted will help to ensure they fit during the healing phase. For this reason, our Forest Hill dentist typically recommends that patients get conventional dentures once their gum tissues have fully healed.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures, or “partials,” are typically worn when you still have remaining teeth. The denture is designed to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth. Partial dentures are typically recommended when a patient’s teeth are unable to support a dental bridge. To help stay in place, partial dentures have clasps that attach to the remaining teeth. Partial dentures are often recommended to fill in gaps and help support the remaining teeth.
If you’re thinking about getting dentures, your dentist in Forest Hill, Dr. Paul Deratnay, can help you. Contact our office today or request an appointment online.