I’m Ready to Replace My Lost Teeth — What Are My Denture Options?

Have you lost all or most of your teeth? Or do you know that you will soon need to have your remaining teeth extracted? In either case, you should not have to put up with the embarrassment and inconvenience of a toothless smile. You have several options for dentures near DeBary that can help you regain a functional and natural-looking set of teeth. Let’s talk about some of the different types of dentures so you can get started on deciding which one is right for you.

Conventional Full Dentures

Conventional full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. They consist of a gum-colored base and a row of artificial teeth, which are usually made out of acrylic or porcelain. Natural suction or a mild adhesive helps this type of prosthetic to stay in place. Depending on the materials and techniques used to create them, conventional full dentures can look beautiful and offer reliable function. They are not as sturdy or long-lasting as other types, but they are quite cost-effective.

Partial Dentures

If you still have some of your natural teeth, and your dentist in DeBary sees no reason to extract them, you may benefit from a partial denture. This type of prosthetic replaces multiple teeth at various places throughout a dental arch; it is sort of like a puzzle piece that fits in exactly where it is needed. Small attachments help it to remain relatively stable during eating and speaking.

Immediate Dentures

The conventional dentures process requires you to wait for several weeks after tooth extractions before you can receive your prosthetic. With immediate dentures, however, you receive them on the same day as your extractions. Then, later on, your dentist can adjust the fit of your dentures as your mouth recovers from having your teeth removed.

Implant-Supported Dentures

The above-listed types of dentures replace only the visible portion of lost teeth; they do not replace the tooth roots. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, are anchored in the jawbone via a number of small, strategically placed titanium posts that act as prosthetic tooth roots. They are the sturdiest and longest-lasting of all the types of dentures.

There are basically two kinds of implant-supported dentures:

• Overdentures. These are removable; they have small attachments on the bottom that “snap” onto the dental implants. In some cases, it is possible to retrofit a conventional denture to act as an overdenture.
• Permanent implant-supported dentures. These are screwed onto their supporting implants and are only removed when you visit your dentist for preventive care or other treatment.

There are plenty of ways to rebuild your smile! No matter which type of denture you think might be right for you, choosing to replace your missing teeth is a wise move.

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Cowell is an experienced general and restorative dentist who offers a number of treatments to help patients rebuild their lost teeth, including both traditional and implant-supported dentures. If you would like to speak to him about your tooth replacement options, contact our office today at 386-734-8585.