Dentures are replacement teeth that come in many different forms. Dentures may replace any number of missing or weakened teeth in any area, or areas, of the mouth. Traditional dentures are removable and rest on the surface of the gums, sometimes also attaching to the natural teeth. Implant-supported dentures differ in that they are attached to an implant that is surgically affixed in the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures in wilmington nc may provide greater comfort than removable dentures, and they also promote the continued health of the jawbone.
Full dentures are dentures that are used to replace a full set of teeth. When replacing the teeth in the upper jaw, dentists craft dentures on a flesh-colored, acrylic base that covers both the roof of the mouth and the gums, providing a stable yet removable foundation for the replacement teeth. The foundation for lower dentures is crafted similarly, but the acrylic base is shaped only around the gums, allowing for freedom of movement of the tongue. To fit full dentures, first, the dentist will remove any remaining teeth from the patient’s mouth. Because this procedure causes the jawbone to slowly reshape, the dentist may wait for this jawbone movement to settle before measuring the mouth and fitting a full set of dentures. Usually, however, patients will be provided with a temporary replacement so that they may use their teeth while the jawbone is reshaping and while their final set of dentures is being constructed.
In situations where only a few teeth are missing, your dentist may prefer to use partial dentures to fill in missing teeth. Partial dentures may be attached to the teeth in one of many ways. The most traditionally used method is metal clasps that latch onto the natural teeth. Another popular option is a partial denture, which may be attached to crowns on the remaining teeth, or may adhere with less-noticeable attachments. Crowns may be recommended to anchor partial dentures, as they can improve the fit of the dentures.
Implant-supported dentures require a dentist to surgically implant permanent supports for a dental bridge into the jawbone. These implants extend up from the gums, and dentures are affixed to the implants. Implants are fitted and installed over the course of one or more office visits, and they are designed to remain in the jawbone permanently. Fitting the dentures onto implants provides the most stable foundation possible, especially when installed in the lower jaw, where other dentures may frequently slip. Some implant-supported dentures are ball-retained, meaning the dentures contain sockets that pop onto ball-shaped brackets on the implants. Others are bar-retained, meaning that a thin metal bar attaches the dentures to the implants. If you have healthy gums, good oral hygiene habits, and a strong and stable jawbone, you may be an excellent candidate for implant-supported dentures, though in some cases the jawbone can be rebuilt if it isn’t as stable, so be sure to talk to your dentist to learn more about which choice is right for you.
In all cases, dentures must be regularly cleaned and maintained, both to prolong the lives of the dentures and to prevent future dental health problems. If your dentures are removable, it’s important to remove them regularly. You’ll clean your dentures daily, while also maintaining a clean mouth by brushing your tongue, gums, and palate with a soft-bristled brush. This will help maintain your oral health and maintain the life of your dentures, offering you a comfortable, useful, and attractive smile for years to come.
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