Learn About the Types of Dentures Available To You

When it comes to getting dentures, patients typically have many questions about what kind of solutions are available, how reliable they are, and what the cost factors are. The reality is that dentures are one of the most trusted solutions available for replacing teeth that you have lost. As people grow older or find themselves involved in unforeseen accidents, there is a risk of losing permanent adult teeth. Lost teeth can be extremely hard to live with since your teeth are responsible for a number of critical functions such as eating and speaking.

A Full Set of Teeth is Important

The first and most relevant function that teeth perform is biting and chewing food. Too many people who are living with lost or missing teeth are not chewing their favorite foods and miss enjoying the food they want. Similarly, teeth are also responsible for helping people enunciate words when speaking. People without teeth can be difficult to understand and find it extremely frustrating to communicate. Dentures are a solution that can help with all of these problems and also give the patient a wonderful, confident smile again.

Types of Dentures

Without going into too much detail, which we will get into when visiting our clinic, there are three basic types of dentures available to any patient. Numerous factors come into play when considering which of the three types of dentures the patient will be using. Determining if the patient is going to need a permanent or temporary solution is the most important factor.

In addition, we will need to evaluate the health of the gums when considering which dentist solution is best for the patient. There are numerous solutions, like dental implants, that we can offer our patients. Thus, during the initial consultation, we will need to discuss all these options to help decide which solution and which type of dentures are best suited to the patient's needs.

Temporary Dentures

Temporary dentures are typically for patients who are only using them for a short period of time. In most cases, patients who are getting temporary dentures are preparing a different solution like dental implants or a dental bridge. While temporary dentures are an excellent solution for a temporary restoration, temporary dentures are not a long-term fix. We secure temporary dentures in place with a metal wire that works much the same way as a retainer.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace a few missing teeth and are for patients looking for a more permanent solution to replace the missing teeth. We do not design partial dentures with a plastic base; rather, we create them with a metal framework to secure the base and prevent the dentures from falling out. In order to have partial dentures, the patient needs to have strong natural teeth in place so we can comfortably attach them to the denture fitting.

complete Set of Dentures

A complete set of dentures will replace all teeth that are missing, or replace teeth that are too weak and unhealthy to sustain a partial denture. Sometimes we need to remove teeth so we can make room for a complete denture. This process typically takes between eight and 12 weeks, requiring some recovery time as the mouth adjusts to the new full or complete dentures.

To learn more about the solutions available to you, call Fort Lee Family Dental at (201) 620-9772 and schedule a consultation.