Dentures (Prosthetic)

Types of Prosthetic Dentures

Dentures can be considered a prosthetic device since they are a removable replacement used when a person has missing teeth. The two types of dentures include partial or complete dentures. If a person is missing all their teeth, complete dentures are used. And if they have some natural teeth remaining, partial dentures are used.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are a replacement when all the teeth are missing. There are two types of complete dentures, conventional or immediate. The difference between the two is when they are made and placed. Conventional dentures are made for an individual only after the teeth have all been removed and the gums are healing. These prosthetics are usually placed somewhere between 8 to 12 months following the teeth extractions.

Immediate dentures are prepared prior to the extraction of all the teeth and placed immediately upon their removal. The benefit of this method is that the individual doesn’t have to go a long time without teeth. However, since the gums and bones can shrink over time, they may need to be adjusted frequently throughout the healing process.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are a removable bridge that contains replacement teeth. This prosthetic device typically contains a metal framework designed to hold the dentures in place. Partial dentures are ideal when one or more of the natural teeth are still healthy and in place. A partial denture replaces missing teeth but is also useful for preventing remaining teeth from changing their positions. Partials are constructed of a bridge containing replacement teeth. The adjoining teeth have crowns placed so the bridge can be attached to them.

Are dentures better than implants?

Implants are sometimes used instead of dentures; however, they are much more expensive. Implants and dentures can look like the real teeth, but implants give more of a real feel than dentures. Implants are becoming more popular, but they are not ideal for everyone.