More than half of Americans have reported an oral or dental problem. Tennessee is no exception here. Several Tennessee residents require dental solutions to replace their missing teeth. While permanent dental implants may be a costlier choice, dentures can provide an economical dental solution.
So, if you need an economical solution for replacing your missing tooth, you can visit a well-reputed Dental clinic Memphis, TN. They can also provide various other dental solutions to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Different types of dentures
Your dentist may recommend one of the following types of dentures, depending on your oral health and other medical conditions.
- Full dentures: Full or complete dentures are designed to replace the arch of the missing teeth. They rest on top of your gums and rely on the lower jawbone ridge or palate for support. However, you may require a denture adhesive to hold them in place.
- Partial dentures: Partial dentures are suitable for those who have lost several teeth in the upper or lower jaws. Like a full denture, partial dentures rely on gums and associated bones for support. In addition, a partial denture has a clasp that hooks around the natural teeth to provide added stability.
- Immediate dentures: Sometimes, the dentist may have to remove one or more of your teeth. An immediate denture is usually a temporary device you may wear right after the extraction until the dentist creates the final denture.
- Implant-retained dentures: In many cases, dentists may opt for implant-retained dentures that are attached to dental implants, which are small posts placed in the jawbone to replace the missing tooth roots.
- Implant-supported dentures: While other types of dentures can be snapped in and out, implant-supported dentures are non-removable. They are best suited for people who do not want removable appliances.
Important considerations about denture types
Dentures are suitable for those who have lost multiple teeth due to injury, decay, or a surgical procedure that involves tooth removal. However, the type of denture you may need depends on various factors.
Full dentures are usually recommended in cases where the patient has lost all of the teeth in the upper or lower jawbone. Your dentist may consider the following when recommending partial dentures.
- The location of the missing teeth in your mouth, as partial dentures, are mostly suitable for the anterior and posterior portions of the teeth.
- Another important factor is the number of teeth needed on a denture. A partial denture is suitable if fewer teeth require replacement. If the majority of teeth are missing, a full denture can be a better choice.
- Your gums may need about six months to heal after an extraction, so the dentist will give you a temporary denture before crafting a permanent one.
- The material of the denture also plays a vital part. Dentures can be made of plastic (resins) or metals like titanium or a mixture of cobalt and chromium.
- Some dentists also prefer flexible dentures made of lightweight thermoplastic.
Understanding how dentures are made
Here’s how dentures are made.
- First, the dentist will take impressions of your lower and upper jaw, including your remaining teeth and gums.
- The dentist will send the impressional to a dental lab, where they’ll make a stone model of your mouth that will be used to create your dentures.
- The technician will use resin, acrylic, or nylon to make the base for dentures and then add the artificial teeth that fit correctly within your mouth.
- The dentures will be polished and handed over to your dentist, who will fit them in your mouth.
Dentures can restore your oral health and allow you to resume eating and chewing like a normal person. While dentures may not be as expensive as dental implants, they can still deliver the expected results.