Dentures: 3 Types, How Long They Last And Expected Difficulties When First Installed
Posted on: 22 March 2016
Perhaps you need dentures but you don't really know much about them. Here are a few details about three types of dentures, the difficulties experienced immediately after their installation and their general longevity.
What are dentures?
Dentures are custom-made replacements for either all or some of your teeth. To create the appliances, an impression is taken of your mouth, and the dentures are made to fit perfectly over your gums. They look like your natural teeth and are removable.
Are there different kinds of dentures?
There are three different options of dentures: conventional full dentures, immediate full dentures, and partial dentures. Your dentist will help determine which option is best for you.
Conventional Full Dentures
Full dentures have a flesh-colored base that is shaped like a horseshoe. The upper portion covers the roof of your mouth and fits over your gums. If your dentist decides that you need full conventional dentures, he or she will remove any remaining natural teeth and allow your gums to heal. The healing takes several months, after which, your dentures are installed.
Immediate Full Dentures
Immediate full dentures function and look exactly like conventional dentures, but they are inserted into your mouth immediately after your teeth are removed. This option allows you to never step out of the dentist's office without teeth, but you will have to return several months later to reline your dentures. The relining is necessary because as your gum tissues and jawbone heals, they reshape, causing the dentures to become loose.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures only replace a portion of teeth. They have a flesh-colored base that fits over the gap where your missing natural teeth once were. They have metal attachments that anchor to your natural teeth or to dental implants, keeping the dentures in place.
Difficulties with New Dentures
Your dentures will take time to get used to. It's normal for your dentures to feel loose and bulky when first installed. Your cheeks and tongue have to adjust to holding them in place. Don't be alarmed if your gums feel sore, and there is some irritation. The irritation should lessen over time.
How long will your dentures last?
Dentures will need to be replaced about every five to 10 years. Periodically, your dentures will need to be relined, rebased or adjusted. Rebasing includes replacing the flesh-colored base without replacing the existing denture teeth.
Schedule an appointment with a dentist, like Nitz Nathan D D MD, in your area to discuss the different types of dentures and to find out if they are right for you.
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