Dentures For Teeth: The What, Why & How?

Whether you’re wondering, “What are dentures,” already have them, or planning to get one, you likely have several questions in mind. For starters, a denture is a removable tooth that replaces surrounding tissues or missing teeth. 

Different types of dentures are designed to help you compensate for lost teeth, add to the cosmetic appeal, and improve oral health. In this blog, we look at teeth dentures and understand more about this dental appliance in detail. 

So continue reading as we look at different aspects of dentures and understand who and what they’re applicable for. In the following sections, we also look at some common questions patients ask their dentists in Summerville SC, on their visit.

Different Types Of Dentures

Since not every individual has similar oral health or the same number of missing teeth, you might come across various dental dentures. So to help you better understand what suits you, we’ve listed the different types of dentures you might come across at your nearby Summerville, SC clinic. 

  1. Complete Dentures:

As per complete dentures or full denture dental definition, they’re ailments that replace an entire set of teeth. You can opt for a complete denture if you have only a few remaining teeth. Manufacturers use acrylic resin to make full dentures that receive support from remaining hard and soft tissues.

Most dentists try to save some of your natural teeth before suggesting dentures, but a complete denture becomes viable when all options are exhausted.

  • Fixed Partial Dentures:

As the name suggests, fixed partial dentures replace a few missing teeth in a row. FDPs, also known as implant-supported bridges, mostly require permanent screwing or gluing to the mouth.

Dentists often suggest these dentures in Summerville SC, to patients who want to choose an option that isn’t removable and acts as a more permanent resort. 

  • Removable Partial Dentures:

RPD or Removable Partial Dentures are also known as the best type of dentures. This procedure for RPD generally includes replacing some missing teeth in your lower or upper jaw. 

Dentists prepare these dentures using acrylic resin and support them over existing soft and hard tissues. Patients highly prefer them over general dentures due to their flexibility. This is an excellent option for people who can’t undergo surgery. 

  • Overdentures or Implant Retained Dentures:

Next, we have an overdenture or implant-supported denture, another dental appliance that is held in place with at least four implants. When consulting a dentist for this option, they suggest placing it in either the lower or upper jaw or both. 

Overdentures provide more chewing function and stability than conventional dentures. However, these dentures require you to remove and clean them daily to ensure proper function.

  • All-On-4 Implant Dentures:

Last on our list of common dentures is the ‘All-On-4’ implant dentures. These implants are ideal for patients who need an entire set of dentures. When you consult your dentist for these implants, they replace all missing teeth in the low or upper jaws using four dental implants. Besides, once fixed, you cannot remove these dentures by yourself. 

Do You Need Dentures?

As mentioned earlier, many individuals tend to stay confused about dental dentures. Besides, it’s right! With no idea of dental appliances, anybody can have difficulty deciding whether or not they need dentures. 

So if you’re confused between the options, here’s an overview of the most common situations when dentures could be needed.

  • Individuals with gaps between teeth or who have loose and shifting teeth:

Dental experts suggest that having loose or shifting teeth is a sign of advanced gum disease. In such cases, you need to settle with periodontal treatment. Or, your dentist could suggest using dentures to preserve your oral health. 

  • Patients who suffer from chronic toothaches:

Chronic toothaches are uncommon and happen mostly when decay has advanced to the point that it’s targeting your tooth’s nerve to its core. If such decay is detected early, you can settle for a simple filling treatment. However, your dentist might prefer extraction or partial dentures if the condition worsens.

  • Individuals with one or more missing teeth:

Dental professionals suggest dentures as the most common option for applicants who have lost one or more teeth naturally or due to some accident. Dentures minimize undue stress on the remaining teeth.

Now You Know

Dentures can provide a valuable solution for those who have lost teeth or are experiencing severe dental problems. Whether it’s partial or full dentures, these prosthetic devices can help restore the function and appearance of your teeth, allowing you to eat, speak and smile confidently. 

While dentures require adjustments and maintenance, they are a reliable and affordable option for people of all ages. If you’re considering dentures, it’s important to consult with your dentist to find the best fit and style for your specific needs. Dentures can provide years of comfort and convenience with proper care and attention, helping you maintain your quality of life and oral health.

Getting dentures is a multi-stage process that starts with you visiting our experts in Summerville, SC. So wait no more; visit our dentists and make the most of your oral health today.