Types And Uses Of Dentures

What are some types and uses of dentures? Whether you have dentures or want to get them, you may have a few questions. If so, continue reading this piece as we will talk about what dentures are, the care required for them, and how they can help improve oral health.

Dentures: What Are They?

Dentures are artificial gums and teeth formed per the shape of the mouth, and dentists make these implants to replace removed or lost natural teeth. Based on their needs, some people get partial dentures, while others get full ones, depending on their specific needs.

It means dentures can replace your entire teeth or bottom or top gum line. Regardless of the type of dentures you want, they are customized to match your teeth visually and fit properly. Initially, plastic or porcelain were the main materials to make dentures. However, modern ones are usually made from hard resin.

Types And Uses Of Dentures
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That said, the materials involved in making denture teeth tend to be quite fragile compared to natural teeth and can crack or chip if someone drops them. Moreover, the materials tend to wear down a lot quicker than natural teeth and should be replaced with new dentures every four to five years.

Why do People Wear Dentures?

Besides improving an individual’s smile, dentures can also maintain the mouth’s structure by supporting the structures involving the lips and teeth. Additionally, dentures help people chew foods properly, making sure they are well nourished despite the absence of their regular teeth. Dental experts consider dentures a fantastic solution for replacing teeth causing severe pain.

What are the Different Types of Dentures?

Dentists provide their patients with different denture types, depending on the situation. Mentioned below are the most common ones:

Partial Dentures

Specialists often prefer using partial dentures rather than other ways to replace teeth. These dentures are ideal for people whose natural teeth aren’t strong enough to support dental bridges. Since partial dentures are fastened permanently, you can easily take them out for sleeping and cleaning.

Full Dentures

Also referred to as complete dentures, full dentures can replace your entire set of natural teeth. Individuals ask dental professionals to fit these dentures in their bottom or top gum line. This structure stays in place with the help of a suction cup or oral adhesive. Similar to partial dentures, you can easily remove full dentures.

Implant Supported Dentures

As the name suggests, these dentures consist of dental implants. For those wondering, dental implants are permanent fixtures fixed to an individual’s jawbone for replacing a certain amount of teeth. Implant support dentures comprise a titanium based metal post, a custom crown, and the implant. You can attach these implants differently, but treating and caring for them is important, just like regular dentures.

Usually, people get these dentures on their lower jaw because fixing them on the upper one can be slightly challenging.

Types And Uses Of Dentures
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How Can I Clean My Dentures

No matter which denture type you have, you must clean them daily. While dentures contain artificial teeth, they can still get tarter, plaque, and bacteria build up, damaging existing gums and teeth. Cleaning your dentures is pretty straightforward, as you must wash them with clean water and brush them with a denture cleaner.