Dentures are no longer a treatment option for old people modern dentistry has integrated innovative ways of installing dentures so much that anyone can get them. People need dentures for tooth restoration of missing teeth. Some patients have all teeth missing, while others still retain some natural teeth. Before you get dentures, however, you must gather knowledge about them. They are not just random dental appliances used to replace missing teeth. They are customized differently for varying patients’ needs and preferences.

What Are the Different Types of Dentures?

Dentures vary in type. There are about 7 types of dentures available in dentistry. While they are similar in one way or another, they are also very different.

• Complete dentures – these have existed the longest in dentistry. They are common among senior patients who have all teeth missing. They are termed as complete dentures because they replace the entire mouth of a patient. For you to get these dentures, all your teeth must be missing. However, if you still have a couple of teeth remaining, they will be removed before these traditional complete dentures are installed.
• Partial dentures – are an alternative for the traditional complete dentures. They are used by patients who only want to replace some of their teeth. Ideally, they have multiple missing teeth but still retain other healthy teeth.
• Custom dentures – when considering dentures’ cost, custom dentures are the most expensive. They include a customized dental formula for your specific needs. You can choose the kind of materials you want to be featured for the dentures. Most custom dentures are more natural-looking based on the materials used to make them. Besides, the fit is perfect because they are made as per the impressions of your mouth.
• Immediate dentures – they are readily available for patients. You can get them on the first visit to the dental office. They are premade in different sizes for different patients. Their advantage over all other types of dentures is that you never have to go without teeth. However, they do not account for the healing period of your gums. Technically, the gums shrink when they heal. This, therefore, makes the immediate dentures ill-fitting after your gums have healed.
• Implant-supported dentures – did you know that dentures can be a permanent solution for missing teeth? This I made possible by implants. Oral implants feature titanium metal posts that are inserted underneath your gum tissue in your jawbone. The fixtures, therefore, replace the roots of teeth. With 4 implants on the lower jaw and 4 on the upper jaw, you have adequate support for dentures. This means that when dentures are installed on the implants, you will enjoy a permanent smile. Implant-supported dentures are, however, expensive. This is because of the cost of installing dental implants and then dentures. However, if you have the budget for it, they are the best because your teeth are restored permanently.
• Overdentures – they are alternatives to implant-supported dentures. Technically, you still need implants installed in your mouth. However, the overdentures are removable. They are attached to the gum of your mouth. They are then held in place by dental implants.
• Snap-in dentures – they are also similar to overdentures. They require support to stay in place. This means that you can get dental implants, or rely on your existing teeth. They act more or less like partial dentures and are removable. They work best for patients with other remaining teeth, or with healthy bone tissue for supporting dental implants.

Who Needs Dentures?

Dentures are a viable tooth restoration solution for all patients with missing teeth. Given the variety there are, there is something for every type of patient. People who qualify for dentures are those that have multiple missing teeth. Whether you have all your teeth missing or a few, you can get dentures. If you have two or one missing teeth, dentures may not be the best treatment for you. While partial dentures can be used for replacing a few missing teeth, dental bridges are more effective for two on one missing tooth. Overall, dentures are an alternative to the many oral appliances available, ranging from dental bridges to dental implants.