Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are designed to resemble natural teeth and can be a practical solution for people missing several or all of their teeth.
There are two main types of dentures:
Complete Dentures: These are used when all teeth are missing. They come in two forms:
- Conventional Complete Dentures: These are placed in the mouth after any remaining teeth are removed, and the tissues have healed, which can take several months.
- Immediate Complete Dentures: These are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. They provide immediate teeth replacement but may need adjustments as the tissues heal and change.
Partial Dentures: These are used when some natural teeth remain. They fill in the gaps created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting. Partial dentures can be made with a metal framework or with a more flexible material and are attached to the remaining natural teeth.
Dentures require proper care and regular check-ups with the dentist to ensure they fit well and maintain good oral health. Adjustments may be needed over time due to changes in the mouth’s structure or wear and tear on the dentures themselves.