Dentures and Its Types

Dentures are prosthetic devices that can replace missing teeth and tissue and restore your smile’s appearance and function. There are several types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Dental bridges are another tooth replacement option available at our dental office in Rockville, MD.

Types of Dentures

Full dentures replace all of the teeth in a mouth, while partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth. Thanks to advancements in dentistry and dental implant technology, there are now many different types of dentures available. These include traditional full dentures, implant-supported or “snap-in” dentures, immediate dentures, and more! 

• Traditional full dentures are the tried and true method of replacing all of a person’s teeth as they sit on top of the gums. They require no special preparation or alterations to the underlying bone structure. They are the most affordable option compared to some other alternatives; however, they do not offer as much stability as other types of dentures.
• Implant-supported or snap-in dentures can be used to replace either some or all of a patient’s missing natural teeth. They are held in place by dental implants that have been surgically inserted into the jawbone. Patients do not need to worry about adhesives or special cleaning techniques with these dentures. They do require more time to be properly placed and maintained, though.
• Immediate dentures are a temporary solution for patients who need all of their teeth replaced. However, they should not be used as a substitute for permanent dentures. Instead, they are used while patients wait for their permanent ones to be made. Some patients may need to wear these temporary dentures for several months or even up to a year while their permanent ones are crafted.
• Overdentures are a more secure type of removable appliance that snaps into place over a small number of remaining natural teeth. They will provide patients with more stability than a traditional denture will since they will be held in place by the natural teeth. These dentures also tend to be more affordable than other appliances that require dental implants for support.

Why Should You Replace Missing Teeth?

It’s possible for even just one missing tooth to lead to serious complications with the teeth, gums, and jaw. That’s because the teeth work together to maintain proper alignment and avoid overcrowding. If one tooth becomes out of place, the other teeth are likely to shift as well. This can lead to crooked and/or crowded teeth. In addition, the opposing tooth no longer has anything to chew against; this can lead to gum recession and bone loss in the jawbone. Eventually, this can cause you to lose additional teeth.

Visit Rockville Dentistry Plus at 152 Rollins Ave #204 Rockville, MD, or call 240-669-8268 to learn which type of tooth replacement is best for you!