How to Make the Right Dentures Choice

In the past, dentures have only been known as an unsightly and unrealistic-looking removable appliance for teeth. Today, dentures are in the running for one of the best options to replace missing teeth. If you are considering getting dentures to replace a few or all of your teeth, we can help you find the denture replacement for appearance and functionality in a smile. Today's dental restoration technology creates dentures that look and feel more realistic than ever before while also providing patients with necessary everyday mouth functions.

When it comes to choosing the right dentures, you may not know where to begin

Patients need to know that there are two main types of dentures: full or complete dentures and partial dentures. Depending on the individual patient's specific needs, the option he or she chooses will allow the patient to eat and speak naturally with a short adjustment period. If an individual is ready to improve his or her quality of life by getting the right dentures, then give us a call. We can begin discussing the main difference between complete and partial dentures.

Full/Complete dentures

Complete dentures are an effective option for a patient who loses all of his or her teeth. These dentures will replace all of the missing teeth with a full set of realistic-looking prosthetics. Complete dentures come in two varieties: conventional and immediate. Conventional complete dentures are for the mouth and gums that completely heal following the removal of the last tooth. The ideal time to receive conventional dentures is two to four months following the loss of the last of one's teeth. We can design conventional dentures to precisely match and fit on the patient's gum tissues following a tooth extraction. We advise most people to wait to receive conventional dentures if possible.

We can create immediate dentures for the individual patient's mouth prior to the removal of the last tooth. We use them for immediate placement in the patient's mouth, leaving no time for a thorough gum tissue healing. The positive to this option is that the individual will not have to go anytime without a teeth replacement. The patient will also be able to chew and speak with dentures from the get-go. The drawback to immediate dentures is that the gums and jaw often go through a shrinking process during healing. This process makes the immediate dentures fit loosely and incorrectly, requiring more than one follow-up visit in a short period in most cases. If an individual receives immediate dentures, it will most likely be a temporary solution until we make the conventional dentures.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are the best option if a patient still has some remaining strong teeth. We use partial dentures to replace a select few teeth in order to make chewing and speaking easier, while also alleviating extra pressure on the chewing surfaces of the remaining teeth. Patients can receive removable partial dentures or fixed partial dentures depending on their needs and wants. Removable partial dentures are the most common.

This is the simplest breakdown of your dentures options. When you visit for an examination to receive dentures, our Livermore dental office will be able to help you narrow down your choices for the option that will best serve you for years to come.