Types of Dentures

Implant Retained Dentures Patients missing several teeth will require artificial teeth either in the form of dentures or another tooth replacement option. Dentures are available in several different forms. From complete or full dentures to partial dentures, immediate dentures and beyond, there are all sorts of options for each patient's unique oral health challenge(s). Below, we delve into the specifics of each type of denture to help those missing teeth determine which is optimal.

Full Dentures

Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, replace all of the teeth in the mouth. These dentures rest atop the gums. This is quite the contrast to dental bridges held in place through anchoring to the natural teeth remaining in the mouth. Full dentures are usually placed two to three months after the removal of the teeth. In order to replace the teeth along the upper jaw, dentures must have an acrylic base with a hue similar to your natural gums. This base covers the roof of the mouth as well as the gums, permitting a full set of artificial teeth to remain in place. Full dentures added to the lower mouth are similar yet the acrylic base is shaped similar to a horseshoe so the tongue is not covered.

The dentist will remove any teeth remaining in the mouth before fitting the full dentures. The jawbone takes some time to react to this process, gradually reshaping as time progresses. The dentist might have to wait several months prior to measuring your mouth and ordering the full dentures in order to guarantee a flawless fit. You will not have teeth during this period of time yet the dentist can still measure your mouth prior to removal to ensure an immediate replacement fits to perfection. So don't worry about your comfort in the meantime. The dentist will reline your immediate dentures to ensure they fit to the modified jawbone.

Implant-retained Dentures

Dental implants can be used to secure dentures. The implant provides extensive support to create a solid foundation that permits the denture to remain securely in place. Patients and dentists far and wide favor implant-supported dentures¹ as they are comparably stable, especially along the lower jaw where traditional dentures are inclined to slip. Such implants are typically fitted toward to front of the jaw as opposed to the middle or the back. There are different types of implant-retained dentures. Some are ball-retained while others are bar-retained. The bar-retained variety of implant-supported dentures requires the attachment of a thin metal bar to several implants in the jaw. The denture is firmly connected to the bar with clips or other attachments. Dr. Johnson adds that another kind of implant retained denture is called All-On-4. These are dentures that sit on 4 implants strategically placed to provide the best support for your dentures.

The ball-retained denture, also known as a stud-attachment denture, typically has sockets that fit directly onto the implants' ball-shaped connectors. In some situations, the connectors will slot right into the implants' sockets. Meet with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for implant-supported dentures. As long as you have fairly healthy gums, enough jawbone remaining and a solid oral care routine, you are likely a candidate for this type of denture.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are ideal for those who still have some of their natural teeth. If you have one or several teeth still in place in the lower or upper jaw, partial dentures might prove optimal. This type of denture features a pink-hued base connected to a piece of metal. These pieces keep the denture firmly in place in the mouth. Most patients rave about their partial dentures' convenience. You can remove your partial denture whenever desired. Partials are also helpful in that they stop other teeth from shifting and creating that many more oral health care problems across posterity.

Schedule Your Appointment at Fine Dentistry of Downtown Orlando

Meet with our dental team to learn more about the many different types of dentures. We will review your oral health to determine if you are a good candidate for one of the denture types detailed above. You can contact us by dialing (407) 777-2071. We are currently accepting new patients. Reach out to us today to schedule your first appointment. You can also fill out our convenient online contact form to schedule an appointment².