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Today (March 9th) is National False Teeth Day. 6% of the British public have no natural teeth at all, and 26% of adults wear some sort of prosthetic dental appliance. But what are dentures, how do they work, and why are they no longer just an option for the elderly?
Dentures are a common dental appliance used to replace missing teeth. They can be a great solution for individuals who have lost teeth due to aging, gum disease, injury, or other reasons. There are several different types of dentures available, each with their own unique benefits and purposes. In this blog, we will explore the different types of dentures and why they are used.
1. Full Dentures: Full dentures are used when all of a person’s natural teeth are missing. These dentures consist of a complete set of artificial teeth that are attached to a gum-colored base. Full dentures can be either conventional or immediate. Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has started to heal, while immediate dentures are made in advance and can be placed right after the teeth are removed.
2. Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth are still present. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a metal or plastic frame that snaps onto the existing teeth. Partial dentures can improve the appearance of your smile and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
3. Implant-Supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures are a more permanent solution for individuals who have lost some or all of their teeth. These dentures are attached to dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures provide a more stable and secure fit compared to traditional dentures, and they can help preserve the bone in the jaw.
4. Overdentures: Overdentures are similar to implant-supported dentures but can also be used with natural teeth that have been saved. These dentures are attached to dental implants or existing teeth and can provide increased stability and retention.
5. Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures are temporary dentures that are placed immediately after the natural teeth have been removed. These dentures allow the patient to have teeth while their gums heal and they wait for their permanent dentures to be made.
There are also lots of different materials that we can use to make dentures. You can get chrome dentures that have acrylic gums and teeth attached. These are great for replacing upper teeth as the chrome doesn’t cover the palate of your mouth. This allows for you to be able to taste food much better and for better retention. We can also make dentures from a slightly bendy material known as Valplast. The flexibility of a Valplast denture makes them feel much more natural.
In conclusion, there are several different types of dentures available, each with their own unique benefits and purposes. Dentures can improve the appearance of your smile, restore your ability to eat and speak properly, and prevent further dental problems. If you are missing teeth, it is important to consult with a dentist to determine the best type of dentures for your specific needs.
And all our dentists love dentures, but Dr Aneesh has a special interest in them! So if you want to replace old, worn dentures or if you want to think about filling a gap you’ve had for a while, then he’s your guy!
Find out more about dentures by clicking here.
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