Full dentures are a complete set of artificial, porcelain teeth that replace your entire upper or lower arch. They’re ideal for patients who are missing all their top and/or bottom teeth, and offer a cost-effective solution.
Complete or partial tooth loss can make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods, speak clearly, and feel confident in your smile. Dentures offer a reliable solution, restoring both function and aesthetics for more than 40 million Americans.
However, dentures aren’t a one-size-fits-all fix. Full dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported dentures each have their own benefits, and making a choice can feel overwhelming.
The experts at Gables Sedation Dentistry in Miami, Florida, can help you determine which type of denture is right for you. Learning more about your options can help you make an informed decision that suits your individual needs and preferences.
Understanding your denture needs
Before diving into specific options, consider your unique situation. Reflecting on these questions can help you gain valuable insight into your denture needs:
Extent of tooth loss
How many teeth are missing? A full denture replaces all teeth in an arch, while a partial denture fills gaps where some natural teeth remain.
Jawbone health
Strong bones in your jaw provide a stable foundation for dentures. If you have bone loss in your jaw due to missing teeth, implant-supported dentures may be ideal for added stability.
Lifestyle and preferences
Do you prioritize a natural look and feel? Are you concerned about denture slippage during meals or social interactions? Different denture options address these varying preferences.
Choosing the right denture for you
You can remove full and partial dentures while implant-supported dentures are permanent fixtures in your mouth. Let’s take a look at these three main types of dentures:
Full dentures
Full dentures are a complete set of artificial teeth that replace your entire upper or lower arch. They’re ideal for patients who are missing all their top and/or bottom teeth, and offer a cost-effective solution.
The acrylic base rests against your gums and relies on your palate (upper arch) or jawbone (lower arch) for support. Denture adhesive can also help keep them in place and reduce the risk of slipping.
You can remove this type of denture, making maintenance easy. Simply rinse them after eating, and take them out before bed to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive denture cleaner.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures fill in for missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. Partial dentures clasp onto existing teeth for stability. Partial dentures typically require minimal adjustment to existing teeth. In fact, they can help keep your natural teeth from shifting out of place over time.
Implant-supported dentures
These dentures attach to strategically placed dental implants for unparalleled security and a natural feel. They’re ideal for patients with bone loss in their jaw, or those who prioritize a secure fit.
While implant-supported dentures require a surgical procedure for implant placement, they offer long-term stability and improved chewing function. Depending on your situation, implant-supported dentures may be fixed or removable.
Dental implants can also help prevent bone loss, as they stimulate the nerves and bone in your jaw the same way a tooth root would. With the right maintenance routine, implant-supported dentures can be a permanent part of your smile.
Consult with the denture experts at Gables Sedation Dentistry for assistance with choosing the right dentures for you. Book an appointment today, by phone or online, to learn about the benefits of sedation dentistry for a more relaxed and comfortable denture experience.
