A Prosthodontist Discusses Common Denture Solutions for Missing Teeth - Miami Beach Smiles Miami Beach Florida

A prosthodontist is a dentist who has additional training in dental prostheses. This type of dental professional can help patients find out what type of denture is right to replace their missing teeth.

Dentists have used replacement teeth for many years to help patients gain a confident, healthy smile. These restorations continue to evolve, and patients now have more choices than ever. For those wanting to replace missing teeth, an understanding of different types of dentures is essential to make an informed decision about the available replacement options.

Types of dentures

There are three main types of dentures. The type a prosthodontist may recommend depends on a patient's unique situation and oral health.

Partial dentures

If a patient is only missing a few teeth, a partial denture may be the right restoration. With this type of denture, the patient keeps the teeth that are in good condition, with the prosthetic only replacing a limited number. The partial denture is made with clasps that hook to the natural teeth. Acrylic teeth are attached to the appliance to replace the missing teeth.

The main advantage of this type of restoration is retention. If there is something for the appliance to anchor to, it stays in the mouth more securely. This way, the patient avoids having to use excessive amounts of denture adhesive.

Full dentures

When most people think of dentures, a traditional set of false teeth comes to mind. These restorations replace all the teeth. Natural suction or denture adhesive keeps these appliances in place. For those who do not have any teeth or who need all their teeth extracted, full dentures are often the go-to option.

One benefit of traditional dentures is that they can be placed the same day teeth are extracted. Before the extraction date, the dentist takes an impression of the patient's mouth. The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, where the denture is made. At the extraction appointment, the dentist can immediately place the new teeth. If the denture becomes too loose after a few months of healing, a more permanent set of false teeth can be made.

Implant-supported dentures

Many patients complain that regular dentures do not feel secure. For these patients, implant-supported dentures can be made. In this situation, the doctor places implants into the patient's jawbone. Once the implant sites have healed, a dental laboratory makes a denture that snaps onto the restorations. This creates a more reliable fit that lasts over time.

While the patient waits for the implants to fuse to the bone, a temporary denture may be made. This allows the patient to still have functioning teeth while waiting for the surgical sites to heal.

Conclusion

Missing teeth do not have to be a source of embarrassment. With all the denture options currently available, patients can find a solution. A patient can set up an appointment with a prosthodontist to find out what type of denture will be most beneficial.

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