There are various reasons why a dental professional might recommend that you consider getting dentures. The most common reason why dentures might be medically necessary is that your teeth are loose, or some have already fallen out/been removed. People with gum disease might also be forced to consider dentures if the disease progresses.
Ultimately, regardless of why you might require dentures, there are generally two different types that your dentist will need to choose between based on your unique situation. Here is a quick overview of the difference between partial dentures and complete dentures.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures are ideal for use in individuals who have one or more teeth in the lower jaw that can be salvaged. These dentures tend to feel more comfortable and generally look a lot more natural than complete dentures. Most individuals do not report any significant problems when it comes to eating with partial dentures.
Complete dentures
Complete dentures are the most viable solution when none of an individual’s teeth in the lower jaw can be saved. ‘Conventional’ complete dentures are the most common; they can be placed inside the mouth approximately two-three months after the individual’s teeth have been removed and everything has healed up properly.
‘Immediate’ complete dentures are made ahead of time before the person’s teeth are removed and can be placed immediately following the removal process. A number of patients favor this approach because it means that they will not have to go any amount of time without teeth or worry about having to eat soft foods exclusively for months on end. The only downside of immediate dentures is that they often require more adjustments in the weeks following placement. This is due to the fact that the bones and gums will shrink somewhat when the swelling goes down, impacting the fit of the dentures.
Are there alternatives to dentures?
There are a few possible alternatives to investigate if you are not 100% on board regarding having dentures fitted. Some patients are good candidates for dental implants, which eliminate the need for dentures. Dental implants are comfortable and look natural; however, they are significantly more expensive and are only an option for individuals who have not suffered extensive loss of bone volume. Solid bone volume is essential to support the implant effectively. In some instances, a good dental professional can restore the lost bone volume through grafting. If grafting is not viable, then bridgework is another potential solution.
Considering how costly these procedures can be, most patients who are not good candidates for dental implants will opt for dentures instead. While it does take time to adjust to the feeling of having dentures inside your mouth, especially when eating, rest assured that they will eventually feel natural. Your dentist will guide you in terms of overcoming any discomfort that you experience and taking proper care of your oral health in the future.
Remember to keep expectations realistic and to maintain a positive attitude after receiving your dentures. They will quickly become a regular aspect of your daily life.
