Whether you’re seeking denture repairs or you’re new to the denture game, finding a denture solution that feels right for you is certainly easier said than done. You need to take a number of factors into account, and consider the numerous positives and negatives associated with each possible option.
It can be overwhelming and hard to know where to begin—especially if you haven’t had a lot of dental issues in the past. Denture solutions can involve timely preparation, surgery, ongoing maintenance and multiple denture repairs, depending on the specifics of your situation.
Fortunately, if you know exactly what you want from your denture solution, you should be able to pinpoint the best choice for you with a little bit of research and, of course, professional advice.
What Are Dentures?
If we are lucky enough to grow old, our natural teeth will eventually fail—even if we take perfect care of them. From decay to injury-related damage, there are many reasons why our teeth might not look or function as they once did. When this happens, dentures offer us a solution. These are man-made appliances that restore the ability to speak, eat, look and function as we did with natural teeth. They are also custom-made, meaning that they are specifically crafted for your individual needs and situation by a team of highly skilled professionals.
How Do I Choose the Right Dentures?
There are many factors to consider when choosing a dental denture. You will need to think about the cost involved, the ongoing maintenance that may be required, and the specifics of your situation and needs. Your dentist will be able to provide you with insight into a lot of these considerations, but it can also help to do your own research ahead of time.
Traditional Dentures
Perhaps the most obvious option to consider is the traditional denture—the kind you’ve probably seen in cartoons, soaking in a glass on a bedside table. These are a great option, but not a fixed or permanent solution. The fact that they are removable might make them the best solution for some, but for others, this particular option isn’t ideal.
For example, people with decreased amounts of healthy gum tissue and jawbone structure will probably have a better experience with a different dental solution, as dentures can sometimes cause bone loss in the jawbone. If you’re uncertain about this, you can always talk to your dentist, and they’ll be able to determine whether your mouth is suitable for traditional dentures.
It’s also worth noting that, over time, your gums will change, and your dentures will have to be replaced or adjusted accordingly. Denture adjustments and relines will mean further trips to the dentist, which is a problem for some. Dentures will additionally require regular cleaning to prevent a harmful build-up of debris and bacteria.
As a result, you might need specialised cleaning products and tools to keep your dentures in good condition. Among the most important of these products is the denture solution, which removes stains, bacteria and food particles from dentures. Denture solution comes in liquid or tablet form and is often used for soaking dentures to keep them clean and odour-free.
Full Upper Denture
Full upper dentures are exactly what they sound like: removable dental appliances designed to replace all of the natural teeth in the upper dental arch. These dentures are kept in place by suction, covering the upper palate, so they’re a great option if you struggle to hold full dentures in your mouth.
Upper dentures are crafted from natural-looking, gum-coloured acrylic of grades that will vary by the construction process. They feature an artificial set of teeth made from materials like porcelain or acrylic or a combination of both. They are also a great solution if you have very sensitive teeth.
Full Lower Denture
Full lower dentures are essentially the same as upper dentures, only they’re made for the lower dental arch. If you wear these dentures, your gums and muscles help to keep them in place. While plenty of people will have no issue with this, some find it difficult to consistently retain a full lower denture in their mouth. If this is the case for you, it may be worth exploring implant-retained dentures instead.
Partial Dentures
Unlike full dentures, which replace an entire arch of teeth, partial dentures are used when some natural teeth still remain in the oral cavity. These dentures consist of a framework made of metal or acrylic, which supports artificial teeth that match the patient’s natural ones.
These artificial teeth are attached to the framework and are carefully positioned to fill the gaps left by missing teeth. Partial dentures are held in place using clasps or connectors that attach to the patient’s natural teeth, ensuring stability and preventing movement during chewing or speaking.
Depending on how many missing teeth you need to replace, there are several types of partial dentures to choose from. As with the full dentures, you have control over how high-quality your artificial teeth will be. Obviously your financial situation will affect which type of partial denture you go for, but even the cheaper options are highly effective and very popular.
Immediate Dentures
Unlike conventional dentures, which are placed weeks after tooth extraction, immediate dentures are ready to be inserted immediately following tooth extraction. Dentists achieve this by performing preliminary work in advance of tooth extractions, taking impressions and crafting new dentures so that they’re ready for immediate fitting.
Immediate dentures mean you don’t have to go without teeth during the healing period. They can even assist the healing period, and help adjust the mouth and gum tissue.
Implant Overdentures
An implant overdenture is a type of full denture that combines dental implants with removable dentures to restore missing teeth. This denture is attached to the dental implants, which are surgically anchored into the jawbone. This alternative to regular dentures allows for enhanced stability and support, as it is firmly fixed in place and does not shift or slip.
The wearer can therefore enjoy improved chewing efficiency, speech clarity and comfort. Overall, implant dentures are a reliable and long-lasting solution that offers the wearer a natural and aesthetically pleasing smile.
The Importance of Finding the Right Denturist
While reading up on different types of dentures is a great way to understand your options, advice from a professional is best. Your denturist can explain the different possibilities in further detail and give you a better idea of what might work best for you. This knowledge will help you to feel more confident and relaxed in making your decision.
If you’re looking for a denturist, it’s important that you find a professional who makes you feel heard. You need to be able to speak honestly about your oral habits and condition, communicating any pain or concerns you may be feeling.
The friendly denturists at Direct Denture Care in Perth have the passion and experience necessary to help you feel confident in your dentures. Specialising in denture solutions, we understand the complexities of smile restoration better than anybody. To learn more about our denture installation and repair services, call us today!
