Removable Partial Denture
When teeth are missing, the remaining ones can change position, drifting into the surrounding space. It often is difficult to clean crooked teeth. This may lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Missing multiple teeth will additionally offset your bite, causing stress on certain teeth, making those teeth susceptible to fractures and other dental problems. By supporting your lips and cheeks, a removable partial denture and also improve your speech and prevent your face from sagging.
A removable partial denture replaces missing teeth and can be taken in and out of your mouth. The replacement teeth are attached to pink gum-colored acrylic bases and connected by a metal framework. They may attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps.
Dentures
The framework of a complete denture is called the base, usually made of gum-colored acrylic plastic. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of the mouth) while that of the lower is shaped like a horseshoe. The gum and bone tissues of the dental ridge support the denture. The base, which conforms closely to the ridge is held in place with a thin film of saliva. When the upper denture rests over the gums and palate, a seal is created, shich holds the denture in place. Cheek muscles and tongue help hold the lower denture in place.
Conventional Denture
These are placed in the patient's mouth after the teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months. The process of making these may take up to 3 to 4 visits.
Immediate Complete Denture
This type of denture is inserted right after the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient's jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period
Implant-Retained Denture
A complete denture also may be attached to dental implants (titanium fixtures attached directly to the jaw bone), which provide a more secure fit, especially when the patient has lost a lot of bone. Properly healed implants can even help reduce further bone loss.
Your dentist will determine which type of denture is right for you. The good thing about dentures is that they can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth. Full dentures may even restore the look of your smile.