Do you live in the Ann Arbor area and have questions about dentures? A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Our Ann Arbor dentists may suggest full (complete) or partial dentures, depending on how many natural teeth you have lost and the condition of your existing teeth. Wearing dentures, or partial dentures, for the first time can feel unnatural and you may need time acclimating to them when speaking or eating.
Complete dentures can be either "conventional" or "immediate." Conventional dentures are produced after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. A conventional denture is ready for positioning in the mouth approximately 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. A patient does not have wait for their gums to heal before receiving the replacement teeth. However, bones and gums shrink over time so immediate dentures will require more adjustments and fittings as compared with conventional dentures. Immediate dentures are generally considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be produced.
Partial dentures are utilized when one or more of your natural teeth remain. Partial dentures can be used in both the upper and the lower jaw. Partial dentures benefit patients by filling in the gaps caused by the missing teeth and by securing the existing teeth from movement.
A Partial denture is removable and can be manufactured with a pink or gum colored plastic base. This denture type is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures may also be precisionconstructed with internal attachments rather than clasps, they attach to the adjacent crowns creating a more natural looking device. Dentures with precision attachments generally cost more than those with metal clasps.
Dentures and partial dentures are a viable solution for varying degrees of tooth loss. The loss of a few teeth does not necessitate removal of your remaining teeth if those teeth and surrounding gum tissue remain healthy. Implant crowns and bridges are a wonderful option if you have lost only a couple of your teeth. Dentures can improve your life and your smile but preserving your natural teeth is always the goal. Contact Ann Arbor’s Huron Dental Center today to learn more about your tooth replacement options.
