Dentures—is There A Better Denture?

By Author: ndxmart
Total Articles: 428
Comment this article

Are all dentures created equal? To begin, dentures or false teeth are replacements for missing teeth. People can have either full or partial dentures, depending on how many teeth they're missing. With full dentures (meaning all of the natural teeth are missing on that jaw), there is an acrylic, gum-colored base that covers the gums. Full upper dentures also cover the entire roof of the mouth to help them position themselves more squarely and securely. Full lower dentures are shaped more like a horseshoe so they don't interfere with the tongue for eating and talking.

There are four main types of dentures, and therefore the answer as to which is best really depends on your needs. There are standard dentures, removable partial dentures, immediate or temporary dentures, and implant-retained dentures. All dentures are custom-made in special laboratories from impressions your dentist takes of your teeth. Dentures are made from a variety of materials depending on what type of denture it is. Standard, full dentures (upper and lower) are made of synthetic plastic resins; partials are made of lightweight metal alloys covered ...
... with a gum-colored acrylic substance. The actual teeth in the dentures are constructed from either porcelain or plastic resins. There is also a non-metal substitute that you can opt for called flexite, which is a flexible nylon that provides greater comfort to the wearer.

Standard dentures are for people who have no teeth (generally because they were removed). The dentures are fitted by taking impressions of the gums. The dentures are sized and fitted over the course of several visits to the dentist.

If you are only missing a few teeth, you might be a candidate for removable partials. These dentures have wholes in them where the natural teeth can show through. For someone who has only a few teeth, this is generally the choice. For someone who is missing only a few teeth, a bridge would generally be made instead. These dentures tend to be more stable in one's mouth, making eating and talking more comfortable and natural. Removable partial dentures are best on the upper jawline, rather than the lower.

Immediate or temporary dentures are also a type of removable partial. They can also be known as flippers. These dentures are made before the person loses all of their teeth. While they are intended to be temporary, some people keep their immediate dentures permanently. This type of denture is intended to support the jaw after the remaining teeth have been surgically removed. The pressure on the gums of the immediate denture can make healing more comfortable. Usually wire is used to secure immediate dentures into place.

The fourth type is a retained denture. These are the most expensive but also the most durable. Implant-retained dentures are secured into place with a titanium screw that is drilled directly into the gum. These type of dentures are popular for people who struggle with wearing lower dentures.

For more information on the best types of dentures offered by Midtown Dentistry, click here.