Everything That You Should Know About Complete And Partial Dentures

Everything That You Should Know About Complete And Partial Dentures

What is a denture?

A denture is a dental appliance that comes as both removable and fixed. Dentures are used as a replacement for lost teeth.  Dentures are manufactured to resemble natural teeth as closely as possible and work to bring back functionality and enhance the smile.

How many types of dentures are there?

Dentures are of two types – complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. 

Both complete and partial dentures can be further divided into fixed implant-supported dentures and removable types.

A Complete denture may be either “immediate” which acts as an immediate replacement for missing teeth or “conventional” which is made sometime after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, this period usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.  It is during this period the patient will be lacking teeth. Immediate dentures are put in place soon as the teeth are extracted, saving the patient from having to be without teeth. Immediate dentures are adjusted after the tissues have shrunk and healed. However, due to normal wear, both immediate and conventional dentures may need to be rebuilt, repaired, or readjusted after many years of use.

Reasons for dentures:

  • Complete Denture – Loss of all teeth in an arch.
  • Partial Denture – Loss of several teeth in an arch.
  • Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
  • Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.

You can also read: What is orthodontics?

What makes a Denture Necessary?

Functionality is the major that makes dentures an absolute necessity for anybody who has a missing tooth or teeth.

  1. Dentures restore functionality and make eating food easier.
  2. Another reason is they make speech easier.
  3. A denture not only replaces missing teeth and fills the gap created by missing teeth; it also prevents other neighboring and opposing teeth from shifting, maintains the bone structure of the face, and helps maintain the face in shape by providing adequate support.

What does the process of getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures includes several appointments, usually over several weeks.  

Your dentist will take extremely precise measurements and impressions that will be used to make personalized dentures for you. Additionally, several “try-in” meetings may be necessary to guarantee optimum shape, color, and fit.

Your dentist will precisely fit and modify the finished denture at the last appointment to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

Initially after wearing new dentures pain, Increased salivation, and difficulty in speaking and eating food are all normal; however, as your oral muscles and tissues adapt to these, your problems will pass.

You will receive instructions on how to take care of your new dentures.  Your new dentures will last longer if you clean them properly, practice good oral hygiene, and visit the dentist frequently.

Insurances taken :

Medicaid, Most PPO insurances and Fee for service