Your Guide to Different Types of Dentures

When discussing cosmetic dentistry services in Houston, TX, dentures are almost always one of the primary topics of conversation. As people get older, dentures become part of daily life, but they’re also common for people that have experienced injuries or suffered other harm to their teeth. Of course, dentures do far more than just improve your smile, and there are many different types of dentures available. What will work best for you, depends upon a number of different factors.

Partial Dentures

If you still have some of your natural teeth, partial dentures are an excellent option. As the name implies, partial dentures replace some of your teeth, while accommodating the teeth that remain. Partial dentures are remarkably common, and many people won’t even realize that you have them. For partial dentures, a pink-colored base is attached to a metal component. Together, they work to hold your dentures in place. When fitted properly, partial dentures are quite comfortable to wear. They can also be removed at any time. Partial dentures are generally made from acrylic.

Implant-Supported Dentures

With implant-supported dentures, dental implants are used to secure and support the denture. If you have healthy gums, overall good oral hygiene, and an adequate jawbone, you may be an excellent candidate for implant-supported dentures. Implants tend to look incredibly natural, and they can last for several years. Implants are attached to the jawbone and extend outwards from your gums. The dentures can be either ball-retained or bar-retained, which is how they’re secured to the dental implants. You’ll need to discuss both options with your dentist. Regardless of which method is used, both offer greater stability than conventional dentures. If you’re a good candidate, implant-supported dentures might be your best choice.

Overdentures

An overdenture is inserted over your remaining teeth. Overdentures are removable and placed on top of your gums. They’re held in place with dental implants to provide adequate stability. You can use overdentures for your lower or upper jaw, and they’re often used to offer added support to your existing teeth.

Snap-In

If you’re concerned with stability, a snap-in could be your best option. A snap-in uses both dental implants and an anchor to support the dentures. Much like partial dentures, a snap-in is easily removable. A locator attachment is placed within the denture itself and is used to guide and attach the snap-in onto the dental implant or a locator receptor. A snap-in is often the preferred denture for patients that don’t have viable teeth but do have a jawbone that can handle dental implants.

Full Dentures

Full or complete dentures replace all of a patient’s teeth. Full dentures are what most people think of when they imagine dentures. Traditional dentures rest on top of the gums, using a flesh-colored acrylic base, which covers both the gums and the roof of the patient’s mouth. This permits an entire set of false teeth to rest comfortably and sit firmly in the mouth.

As you can see, cosmetic dentistry in Houston, TX, offers a number of options when it comes to dentures. Contact the experts at Made Ya Smile to learn more.