For some patients, even if they have been practicing good oral hygiene, they may face the loss on all or some of their teeth. This can make natural speech and eating difficult, as well as make you feel less confident and attractive. If dental implants are not a suitable option to replace the missing teeth, there is another solution. Full or partial dentures can give you back your smile!
What Are Dentures?
When people think of dentures, they often picture a full set of teeth and gums, top and bottom, which are removable. While such dentures are an option for patients who have lost all of their teeth, there are several different types of dentures for replacing a few teeth, or even for replacing all of the teeth in the jaw. Some types are removable, and some may be permanent. Three main types of dentures are:
1. Full Conventional Dentures:
Full dentures are made to replace all of the teeth on the jaw – either just the upper, or lower jaw, or both. This is the most economical custom made option and they are tailored to fit precisely over your jaw and realistically replace your teeth and gums. Over time, as you experience bone loss in your jaw, due to missing teeth, the fit may become less perfect, leading to shifting, so other options may be preferred, if your budget and your mouth are suited to them.
2. Overdentures:
Overdentures do not simply fit over your gums, they fit over and are supported in place by either titanium implants, or by natural teeth, if there are some left. They are more expensive than conventional full dentures, however, they may be more stable. As well, the remaining natural teeth, or implants which support the dentures help to mitigate bone loss in the jaw.
3. Partial Dentures:
An excellent option if only some teeth need to be replaced, partial dentures fit between the remaining teeth and are held in place by clasps which grasp crowns on the adjoining teeth. Even in cases where a missing tooth is at the back of the jaw and not visible when you talk, or smile, a partial denture is advisable, as it helps to keep the natural teeth from shifting, due the empty space. There are two types of partial dentures:
- Removable partial dentures – The clasps on these dentures attach to corresponding clasps on crowns which have been affixed over the neighboring teeth.
- Fixed partial dentures – Rather than being attached with clasps, these dentures are permanently cemented to crowns on the neighboring teeth.
Getting Dentures
There are several steps and visits involved in getting custom dentures made and fitted in place:
- The first step is to evaluate your mouth and any remaining teeth and to discuss your options, so you can make an educated decision on which type of dentures would be best suited to you, both physically and in terms of your lifestyle and preferences.
- Then, once the type of dentures has been decided, Dr. Bajaj will measure your jaws, take impressions of the jaws and any remaining teeth and study how your upper and lower jaw work together.
- Before your dentures are made, trial models are created, so that you can feel the shape and position of the planned dentures in your mouth.
- If all feels well, your custom dentures are created, fitted in place and adjusted as necessary for optimum stability and comfort.
While the loss of your teeth may be devastating, Dr. Sushma Bajaj will help you to choose the best option for replacement and ensure that your custom dentures are natural looking and comfortable, so that you will feel like smiling again.
If you are in need of Dentures in New Westminster, call Halo Dental 604.544.8875 or use our online form today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sushma Bajaj.
More information:
- Smile Dental Group: http://www.smiledentalgroup.ca/service/replacing-missing-teeth
