Types of Dentures
Before opting to purchase dentures, it is important to have a basic knowledge of the purposes of dentures and what having one means. Dentures are an alternative to teeth when they or the tissues in your mouth are missing. While a lack of teeth may make one feel more self-conscious or less confident about one’s appearance, having dentures may serve as an assurance that there is no reason to feel that way. They can improve one’s quality of life by boosting one’s physical appearance and solving any problems in the process of mastication resulting from not having enough teeth.
Dentures are also long lasting as compared to teeth which eventually rot as you age. They support facial muscles and structure, eventually improving speech as well. Whatever the situation, dentures have numerous advantages and can prove to be cost-effective as well. Before you go about purchasing one, however, it is vital to have knowledge of the various types of dentures.
There are two main types of dentures: partial dentures and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used only in the case when one or more of your natural teeth still remain on either the upper or lower part of the mouth. The denture contains replacement teeth connected to a colored base matching the color of your gums. This base is sometimes attached to a metal framework to hold the denture in your mouth. There are bridges that crown already existing teeth and replace missing ones. The bridge is cemented into place and thus has a more natural look for anyone not looking for something discreet.
Complete dentures have two subdivisions: conventional and intermediate. Conventional dentures are placed in the mouth about eight to twelve weeks after the teeth have been removed and the tissues have healed. However, intermediate dentures can be placed as soon as the teeth become removed. This gives the individual the benefit of not being toothless during the healing period. While this seems more viable, the positioning and size of bones and gum shrink during the healing process meaning that intermediate dentures require more adjustments to hold them in place.