Not Only for Grandma: The Different and Best Dentures You Can Wear
Dentures are often associated with old age. But even mature citizens don’t want to think of themselves as old.
That type of thinking prevents people with missing teeth from getting dentures. Instead, they try to hide their teeth and refuse to smile. That’s no way to live.
People of all ages deserve a beautiful smile. And modern dentistry now offers different types of dentures.
Don’t let fear and shame stop you from getting the best dentures to ensure a healthy and beautiful smile. Keep reading to learn about the types of dentures available to you.
Why Getting the Best Dentures Matters
Some people are hesitant to get dentures because they think everyone will know about it. But you’ll actually be in some great company.
Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Celine Dion, and even Jamie Foxx all wear some form of dentures. And they have great smiles to prove it!
But it’s not just your appearance that is affected. It’s important to get fitted with the best type of dentures for your needs because when your teeth are missing, your lips and cheeks are no longer fully supported.
This can cause facial muscles to sag. It can also make eating and speaking more difficult.
The Different Types of Dentures
Fortunately, there are various types of dentures available on the market today. Each one is designed to fit a specific need depending on the amount of tooth loss and location of the missing teeth.
Work with a dentist at Forest Park Dental to find the best dentures available to fit your needs. These will fit properly and feel comfortable.
Let’s go over the various types of dentures.
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Traditional Complete Full Dentures
Complete dentures are used when all of a patient’s teeth need to be removed. Unlike dental bridges, which are anchored to existing teeth, these dentures sit on top of the gums.
Typically, traditional dentures are placed between eight and 12 weeks after the teeth are extracted.
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Partial Dentures
As their name implies, partial dentures are used when there are still some healthy natural teeth left. A pink-colored base is attached to a metal piece. Both pieces hold the denture in the mouth.
The benefit of partials is that they’re removable. They also help prevent other teeth from moving.
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Implant Supported Dentures
Dental implants support the denture and provide it with a solid foundation. That, in turn, helps the denture stay securely in place.
Many people prefer these types of dentures because they look natural and last for a long time.
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Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures may be the best type of dentures for those who don’t want to wait. These are placed during the same visit when your teeth are extracted.
Not everyone is the perfect candidate for immediate dentures.
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Snap-in Dentures
The best dentures available in terms of stability are snap-in dentures. Dental implants or anchors placed on an existing tooth help hold these dentures securely in place.
Locator attachments are also embedded within the tissue side of the denture. These attachments snap onto the implants. Like partial dentures, they’re removable.
Snap-in dentures work best for patients who have no teeth but have enough bone to support the implant.
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Custom Dentures
Custom dentures are the best option available for those searching for a more natural-looking smile. Even though they’re more expensive, they’re created specifically for you.
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Economy Dentures
Not everyone can afford a custom-made smile. For those on a budget, economy dentures are a viable option.
Due to the fact that they’re generic, they may not feel comfortable to the wearer nor will they fit securely in your mouth. To help secure them, you may need to use a dental adhesive.
These are the least natural looking dentures available.
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Upper Dentures
Upper dentures are used when you’re only missing teeth in your upper jaw.
What makes them unique is the locator attachment embedded within the tissue side of the denture. The locator attachments snap onto the implants or the locator receptors. This means they’re convenient and removable (like partial dentures).
Snap-in dentures are usually recommended when a patient doesn’t have any teeth, but still has enough bone to support an implant.
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Overdentures
Overdentures are secured with dental implants. They sit on the top of your gums.
You can use overdentures that are removable, and wear them as upper dentures or lower dentures.
Tips for Wearing Dentures
As you now know, there are many different types of dentures. Some are removable and some are not.
Those that are removable should be not be worn while sleeping. Even if it’s recommended to wear your dentures as much as possible to get used to them, you should remove them at night.
Also, keep in mind that it will take some time to get used to your new dentures. At first, you may find them a bit uncomfortable. They may feel loose at first, but soon the muscles in your tongue and cheek will learn how to keep them securely in place.
It’s not uncommon to experience minor irritation, soreness, or even extra saliva while your mouth adjusts to your dentures. If these problems persist, contact your dentist.
It may take a few days to learn how to speak properly with your new dentures. Practicing before you go out into social situations will help.
Beware that your dentures may slip while laughing, coughing, or even speaking. When this happens, simply reposition them by gently biting down and swallowing.
Keep Your Dentures Clean
While there are different types of dentures to choose from, there is one thing they all have in common: you still have to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly to maintain a healthy mouth.
The same goes for your dentures. Make sure you clean them regularly, especially after eating.
Continue to visit your dentist to ensure that your dentures are still working properly.
Get More Tips for Optimum Health
The more you learn, the easier it is to get fitted with the best dentures for your needs. But it doesn’t stop there.
Keep learning to stay healthy. We can help. Click here to read our health section!
