Thompson Advanced Dentistry offers several types of dentures to replace missing teeth. Dentures provide an effective solution for patients missing most or all of their teeth on an arch. Loveland, CO area dentist Dr. Thompson can custom design a set of dentures for you so that you can get back to living a normal life.
Types of Dentures
Full Dentures
A full denture is used to replace the entire upper or lower row of teeth. The false teeth are fused to a base made of acrylic which is similar to the color of gum tissue. A layer of saliva between the gums and the denture base creates a suction that helps the denture remain in place. Upper dentures are more likely to stay in place due to the larger surface area where you will get more suction. Lower dentures (overdentures) have less suction and will rest on top of the gums. These typically cause more problems than upper dentures.
Adjusting to a full denture will take time and you will need to relearn how to eat, talk and even smile. They are fairly bulky and will feel weird in your mouth for a few months. Over the years, denture wearers will experience bone loss which will change the way they fit. You will need to have them rebased, adjusted, or even replaced. They must be removed every day for special care in addition to your normal oral hygiene routine.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are similar to full dentures but are used when not all teeth are missing in the row. They basically are custom-made to fill in the gaps. They can be made with metal clasps which are very noticeable when smiling or with acrylic clasps that will blend in with gum tissue. They are removable and remain in place when the clasps wrap around the healthy remaining teeth.
The downside to partial dentures is you will not be able to eat a diverse diet. There are many food restrictions that must be followed. They must also be removed daily for special care in addition to a regular oral hygiene routine. Long-term usage of partials will also result in bone loss since the teeth are not replaced at the root. However, partial dentures are very affordable and can be fabricated in less than a month.
Denture Implants
Denture implants are the best way to replace most or all of your teeth. Instead of relying on suction to hold them in place, a denture is secured to dental implants. The implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone creating the most durable base possible to secure your denture. The implants will replace the missing teeth roots which help avoid bone loss in the jaw. There is very little adjustment period since they feel and function like natural teeth. Denture implants will allow you to speak, chew and smile naturally.
The only downside to denture implants is the process to have them placed can take months. The dental implants will require a surgical procedure and will need about three to six months to heal and fuse with the surrounding jaw bone. They are also very expensive initially. However, over time, the maintenance cost for a removable denture may exceed the initial cost of denture implants.
Call Today for a Consultation
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Thompson at his Loveland, CO dentist office, please call 970.205.9614 or request an appointment online. Here, we’ll discuss which type of denture is right for you.