What Are the Different Applications of Dentures?

What Are Dentures?

A denture is an oral application for restoring lost teeth and the surrounding tissues. Unlike other tooth replacement solutions in dentistry, dentures in Lincoln, NE, come with a plastic-like gum surface that can restore the damaged surrounding tissues. The number of artificial teeth present in a denture depends on the number of natural teeth you have lost. As such, two categories of dentures exist:

1. Full dentures – consists of all teeth typically present in a human mouth. A full denture will replace all your teeth. It means that if you have a few natural teeth remaining, Dr. Brion Dalton at Lincoln Dental Associates dental offices must remove them first. Full dentures work amazingly for elderly patients who have already lost all their natural teeth.
2. Partial dentures – partials are alternatives to complete dentures. They allow you to retain your remaining natural teeth by replacing only the missing ones. Partials are customizable for any teeth in your mouth so that both the back and front teeth are replaceable with partial dentures.

The Applications of Dentures

Although there are two main categories of dentures, the applications differ. It usually depends on your preference as a patient. If you need a permanent tooth replacement solution, the application protocol will be different from that of a patient who needs a removable option. The applications of dentures are:

1. Immediate dentures – are available for an immediate restoration. Ideally, soon after a tooth extraction procedure to remove any remaining teeth, you can get immediate dentures. You do not require any downtime for healing before getting immediate dentures. The idea is to ensure you do not go a single day without teeth. After about six months, your mouth should have healed properly, and you can approach your dentist in a dental office near you to fit your dentures. These dentures are a lot easier to customize than permanent dentures.
2. Overdentures – are dentures placed to your jawbone over natural tooth roots or implants. If you have a few natural teeth remaining, an overdenture goes over the roots of those teeth. If not, you may need a surgical procedure to install dental implants in your jawbone. The implants will act as the support system for the overdentures. The good news is that overdentures are easier to remove than permanent dentures.
3. Implant-supported dentures – are permanent installations for restoring lost teeth. The application requires a surgical procedure to place implants and a different procedure to affix the dentures. If you are getting partials, you will need a different number of implants than when getting full dentures. Your dentist will help you understand the all-on-4 implant concept for installing permanent dentures. The technique dictates having between 4 and 10 dental implants strategically placed in your jawbone to support dentures.

Dentures Benefits Explained

When you first witness tooth loss, you rush to an emergency dentist in Lincoln, shocked and overwhelmed. It almost feels like you are at a disadvantage, especially when you think of spending the rest of your life without teeth. Fortunately, dentures have played a significant role in restorative dentistry, providing various benefits, including the following:

1. Natural-looking results – dentures feature a thermoplastic gum-like base that mimics natural gum tissue. Besides that, the artificial teeth in dentures vary in color shades, allowing you to pick teeth that closely match the color of your natural teeth. The result is a natural-looking smile that will be hard to differentiate from your natural teeth.
2. Overcoming bone tissue degeneration – when you lose teeth, the jawbone remains inactive. It allows for tissue degeneration that may eventually affect your facial appearance. Depending on the denture application of choice, your tooth-replacement process will help overcome bone tissue degeneration.
3. Versatility – tooth replacement with dentures is versatile enough to cover various dental needs. Whether you need a permanent solution or prefer to preserve your remaining natural teeth, the applications of dentures support varying preferences.
4. Perfect for multiple tooth replacement – other alternatives for replacing lost teeth are effective for restoring one tooth at a time. Dental bridges only go as far as replacing three missing teeth in a row. For patients who need multiple teeth replacements, dentures are the best fit.