As teeth get older, you may have to consider replacing them with dentures or partial dentures. This can lead to a lot of questions, especially if a person has never owned dentures previously. It is important to understand the current condition of one’s teeth in order to determine the right denture fit. Teeth naturally wear down over time, sometimes cracking or encountering other problems that require their removal. Keeping teeth structurally sound is an essential way to maintain oral health, and getting dentures may be a reasonable next step to restoring a person’s bite.
Differences between full dentures and partial dentures
Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that can replace missing teeth. Learning the differences between full and partial dentures is key in helping a patient make an educated decision. Though both types of dentures provide the same result, they solve different problems.
Full dentures
When a patient has few or no natural teeth remaining, full dentures are the ideal option. Full dentures are designed to completely replace the missing teeth, giving a patient a brand-new bite with a lower and/or upper arch. A patient with a few natural teeth can ask a dentist about getting them removed and replaced with full dentures or try partial dentures instead.
Types of full dentures
There are two main types of full dentures available for patients. The first is conventional, which requires much more time to create, but once made, should last long into the future. On the other hand, immediate dentures can be placed in the first appointment. These dentures are not meant to last as long and may need several adjustments before fitting properly. It is not uncommon to use these dentures as temporaries while a patient waits for the permanent, conventional dentures to arrive.
Partial dentures
A patient may be a candidate for partial dentures if they still have some natural teeth remaining. Instead of replacing all teeth inside the mouth, partial dentures fill in the gaps where missing teeth once were. The gum and teeth color of the dentures are matched to the patient’s natural ones. Then the dentures are secured to the remaining teeth. While partial dentures can help with structural problems that affect bite and speech, they are also an excellent option for filling in gaps in a smile.
Candidates for dentures
There is no one trait that qualifies a person for dentures. Oftentimes, simply missing teeth is enough to start the conversation about full dentures and partial dentures with a dentist. Denture technology has advanced significantly in the past few decades, providing comfortable, easy appliances on which a patient can rely.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Dentures and Partial Dentures in Albany, OR.
Conclusion
Discussing dentures and partial dentures with a dentist is the easiest way to determine if they are right for an individual. Every person has different needs, and a dentist can advise you on the proper course of action. Dentures are simple to take care of and require minimal maintenance. Teeth are an essential part of everyday living, and there is no need to suffer without them for years on end.
Request an appointment or call Elm Street Family Dental at 541-393-9196 for an appointment in our Albany office.
Recent Posts
Denture adjustment is a necessary procedure that must be performed if your dentures no longer fit your mouth. Whether you have partial or complete dentures, these prompt your gums and soft tissues to adjust. Once the dentures have settled, they will also be likely to change over time. You may experience difficulty chewing or feel…
Dentures are not exclusive to senior citizens. Many unavoidable circumstances could lead to tooth loss. This is when a quick teeth replacement system must come in. If you want to find out when you should get dentures, here are the details.Tooth loss results in gaps between teeth. The empty spaces prompt the neighboring teeth to…
For some people, the idea of getting dentures can be a scary prospect. If you are in this situation, it may mean that you have lost most or all of your teeth. This could have happened because they were severely decayed or many of them were damaged in a serious accident. Regardless of why you…