When more than a couple of teeth have fallen out or have decayed, then the option of having dentures made becomes available. Some dentures are made for people missing only some of their teeth, while other types of dentures are made for people who have lost all of their teeth. Some dentures are temporary until healing has finished, and others are specially made for a more natural look to mimic the texture and appearance of real teeth. Four of the most common types of dentures are immediate, full, partial and cosmetic.
Immediate Dentures
When someone is getting a complete set of dentures and has his remaining teeth removed, but wants to have usable and functional teeth immediately thereafter, this is the option he would choose. The advantage of this option is a near full recovery of dental, chewing and speaking capacity. Patients are able to regain a sense of completeness by having a full smile and the ability to eat without interruption and limitation of the types of food they can eat. According to Types-of-Dentures, a denture resource guide, the downside of getting immediate dentures is that they often have to be adjusted and changed because of the healing of the gums and the changing shape of the jawbones.
Full Dentures
The full denture refers to the set of dentures a person gets when she has lost all of her teeth already or when her jaw and mouth have fully healed from recent teeth removal. Few adjustments are necessary because the gums and jaw have fully healed and are ready to be fitted. The Australian Denture Care Centre states that there are three distinct subtypes of full dentures: standard, semiprecision and precision. The standard full denture is the choice for patients who need the most economical option. This type uses the most affordable materials in the industry and is quick and easy to fit with each patient. Semiprecision dentures use higher quality materials, such as Vertex acrylic, and are also fitted to each person to have a more natural look regarding size and shape. Full precision dentures use higher quality acrylics and are shaped multiple times to fit the person's mouth and gums without any pain or discomfort. Full precision dentures are also more pliable and form to the inside of the mouth with less irritation.
Partial Dentures
Some dental patients may be missing only some of their teeth and do not want to have the rest removed. In this case, a mold is taken to fit around the still intact teeth so that the dentures will blend in and complete a full set of teeth. Partial dentures are often removable rather than implanted and are held in place by the existing natural teeth, gums and connecting tissue. Dr. Martin Spiller, of DoctorSpiller.com, states that several types of partial dentures are available depending on cost and materials. One type of partial denture, known as the cast metal removable partial denture, is one of the oldest forms of dentistry and was even used by an American founding father, Paul Revere.
Cosmetic Dentures
Some dental patients may want to go all out and get the very best available in order to have dentures that look almost exactly like the real thing. With cosmetic dentures, functionality meets aesthetics, with the artificial teeth being made from high-tech ceramic porcelain. Cosmetic dentures are often more expensive than other dentures due to the high-grade materials and the custom-fitting procedures used. Some dentists may specialize in this field, which may also warrant higher fees. Some dentists offering cosmetic dentures even offer artificial teeth with diamonds, gold and engravings.
