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Types of Dentures
Loosing teeth is
something only a child can expect and look forward to. In your later years, tooth loss is not only
permanent, but it can create many problems for your life. A missing tooth (or missing teeth) can
result in oral hygiene complications because they are traps for food bits that
will feed bacteria growth. It can also
be difficult to chew and eat, especially in the case of hard foods like apples
and nuts. When the missing teeth are in
the front, your smile can also be adversely affected with large gaps. Lastly, a missing tooth can mean that all of
your other teeth will begin to slowly shift position and become misaligned.
Luckily, there are
many types of dentures designed to treat each specific case. Dentures are prosthetic and removable teeth
that can replicate the form and function of real teeth. They’re built from hard materials that have
life-like colors and textures.
The types of
dentures are as varied as there can be different combinations of missing
teeth. The following are just a few examples
of the possibilities.
Full dentures are
for those who have lost most of their teeth in one or both jaws. Usually a full denture requires the removal
of teeth that are diseased, dead, or dying.
Full dentures can’t be placed until the gums have healed. If there are any teeth remaining, they are usually
kept to give the full denture more stability.
Another option for full dentures in the event of total tooth loss is a
denture implant. Denture implants are
prosthetic rods inserted into the jawbone that act like roots for the full
denture to anchor into.
Immediate dentures are put in place right after all of the
teeth are removed. For patients who can’t
afford to spend time healing without a mouth full of teeth, immediate dentures
will be provided as a stopgap measure.
Your mouth will have to be monitored throughout the healing process to
make adjustments to the fit.
Partial dentures are for single or multiple teeth that are
lost. When the gap in the jaw is still
bounded by healthy teeth, a partial denture can act as a spacer to prevent the
remaining teeth from shifting. Most
partial dentures use metal attachments to hook into adjacent teeth.
A popular alternative to partial dentures is a dental
implant. Dental implants are false
teeth that are anchored into the jawbone through a rod.
Depending on your own case, one kind of denture will be
ideal for you. Consult your dentist
today to discuss your treatment plan options.
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