Conventional dentures are made after all the teeth have been taken out and the gums have healed. Conventional dentures can take months to make, during which time the patient may have to wear temporary dentures or go without teeth.
On the other hand, immediate dentures are made before the teeth are taken out and can be put in the patient’s mouth right after the teeth are taken out. People often use immediate dentures as a temporary fix while their gums heal and shrink and their regular dentures are being made.
As the name suggests, partial dentures are only meant to replace a few missing teeth in one or both arches. They are connected to the natural teeth that are still there with clasps or precision attachments, and they can be taken off to clean and care for them.
Partial dentures can be made of different materials, like plastic, metal, or a mix of the two. Acrylic partial dentures are the most common and generally the least expensive. They are light, easy to move, and can be made to match the color of the patient’s gums.
On the other hand, metal partial dentures last longer, fit better, and stay in place better than plastic ones. Most of the time, they are made of cobalt-chromium or titanium metals, and with proper care, they can last for many years.
The implant-supported denture is another type of denture. Implant-supported dentures fit better and are more stable than traditional dentures because they don’t use pressure or glue to stay in place. Dentures that are held in place by implants can be fixed or removable, depending on what the patient needs and wants. Fixed implant-supported dentures, also called hybrid dentures, are permanently connected to the implants and can only be taken out by a dentist.
Dentures can also be made to look and feel like real teeth, with teeth that are the same shape, size, and color as the patient’s real teeth. Getting dentures involves a number of steps, such as an initial meeting with a dentist, dental impressions, bite registration, try-in appointments, and final delivery and adjustments. Depending on the type of tooth and what the patient needs and wants, the process can take weeks or even months.
Dentures need to be cared for and kept in good shape so that they last and work well. Dentures should be cleaned every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, denture cleaner, or light soap and water. They should also keep their teeth away from hot water, abrasive cleaners, and other harsh chemicals that could damage them.
Denture users should also get regular dental checkups and adjustments, which can help find and fix any problems with fit, function, or oral health. Dentists may also suggest that dentures be relined or replaced every so often to make sure they fit and feel their best.
In conclusion, dentures are a good way for people who have lost some or all of their teeth to replace them.
