Dentures have been around for a long time to replace missing teeth. Luckily, today they are more durable than in the past and are designed to look and feel better than ever before. With good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and cleansings, they should last several years.
Two kinds of dentures for missing teethFull or complete dentures are generally used for patients who need to have all of their teeth removed because of advanced gum disease or tooth decay. There are two types available for missing teeth:
Conventional dentures are placed in the patient's mouth only after all of the teeth have been extracted and the gums are fully healed. This process can take up to 12 weeks but sometimes earlier. Until then, patients will have to get by without any teeth.
Immediate dentures are another option for patients with missing teeth. These appliances are made in advance and are placed immediately after the patient's teeth are extracted. However, because changes and shifts in gum tissue occur during the healing process, adjustments are necessary to ensure proper fit and function.
2. Partial DenturePartial dentures replace missing teeth by anchoring around one or more existing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. These can be either fixed/permanent or removable.
1. Removable partial dentures are for patients who prefer to take them off for cleaning or eating.
2. Fixed partial dentures function the same way as removable ones except they are permanently cemented in the mouth next to neighboring teeth. Fixed dentures are more stable and less likely to slip when eating and speaking.