If chronic tooth decay, injury or periodontal disease has made you a candidate for permanently replacing your teeth, dentures can enhance both your appearance and health. Full dentures are for people who have lost their upper and/or lower natural teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that dentures help support facial muscles and reverse sagging effects that may have occurred due to missing teeth. Full dentures can also improve your speaking ability and make it easier to chew. The ADA says there are different types of full dentures to consider.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures got their name because they are placed in your mouth as soon as your remaining teeth have been extracted. Your dentist first takes impressions (clay models) of your natural teeth to determine the approximate fit of your replacement teeth. Immediate dentures can be a popular option because you will leave your dentists office with a full set of teeth. However, since there can be a shrinking of bones and gums during the healing period, you may require a new set of dentures in about six months. Your dentist may be able to realign your immediate dentures so they fit properly.
Conventional Dentures
Dental patients who chose to go without full dentures for the six- to wight-week healing period following the removal of their natural teeth, or those who need to replace their immediate dentures, can opt for conventional dentures. The AAD says that conventional dentures are worth the wait because they typically fit correctly the first time. This is because impressions of your mouth are taken after your teeth are extracted, allowing for a more precise measurement.
Overdenture
According to the AAD, sometimes a few natural teeth will be left intact or a couple of dental implants (artificial teeth) will be placed in your jaw to support a removable full denture. This type of denture is referred to as an overdenture. Your dentist can determine whether an overdenture is a viable option for you.
Cosmetic Dentures
Dental patients who are concerned that conventional dentures don't look authentic may want to consider cosmetic dentures. Cosmetic dentures tend to have a more natural look because the teeth are made with ceramic porcelain instead of plastic. The ADA says that the support structure of cosmetic dentures also has a more natural look. Cosmetic dentures are more expensive than the conventional variety.
