Dentures Vs Overdentures
Our teeth play very important roles in our everyday life. They assist in chewing and biting to help properly digest food. They also enhance our speech and, of course, give us a more beautiful smile. They are essential to living a comfortable life. Unfortunately, there are also many things that can damage our teeth and gums leading us to loose permanent teeth.
Things like eating too much candy and other sweets, biting your nails, biting ice, and not brushing or flossing as you should can all result in tooth and gums damage. This may even lead to pain, discomfort, and eventually tooth loss when your teeth are not cared for. When you lose teeth, dentures are one option for the permanent replacements. Overdentures and regular dentures are two types to replace damaged teeth, remove discomfort, and bring back your smile.
What are Regular Dentures?
Dentures can also be regarded as artificial teeth created in a lab to replace removed teeth. They are like a prosthetic device for your mouth. There are three types of dentures you could get to replace your missing teeth.
Full Dentures
A full denture is placed in the mouth after remaining teeth are removed and the tissues inside the mouth have healed. The healing can take several months and you may be without teeth.
Immediate Full Denture
An immediate full denture is placed immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. While these immediate dentures provide the benefit of not having to be without your teeth, they must be checked several months after being inserted. The bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, causing the denture to become loose so it will have to be relined.
Partial Denture
A partial denture sits on a metal framework that attaches to some remaining natural teeth you still have in place. Crowns can be placed on your natural teeth and serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures can be a removable alternative to bridges.Whatever type may be best for you, the goal remains the same; to fill up the space inside your mouth where you are missing teeth, aid good speech, allow easier eating of foods, help improve aesthetics and make you more comfortable.
Why Should You Get a Regular Denture?
Although both regular and overdentures have the same goals, there are a few advantages each has over another. Regular dentures provide a natural look that can be hard to actually see the difference from real teeth. They can be removed at any time for cleaning without the need to go back to your dentist. They don’t require an implant or surgery.
Since they are removable, this can help reduce the risk of oral health issues and save your teeth and gums from further problems, which can sometimes lead to complete damage and loss of the teeth.
Problems and Risks Associated with Getting a Regular Denture
Regular dentures have many benefits, but sometimes a problem can arise. Although they help replace missing teeth, chewing with regular dentures can be tricky. The dentures can become loose over time because they are not fixed to bone or implanted in. They can also take a while to get used to because although they look natural, they do not feel that way inside of your mouth..
What Are Overdentures?
An overdenture is a removable dental prosthesis that covers and rests on one or more remaining natural teeth, the roots of natural teeth, and/or dental implants. It is a very practical method used in preventive dentistry. Overdentures can either be supported by other remaining teeth or implants. This way is best to help in preserving bone loss and delays the process of being completely without any teeth.
Overdentures are commonly used for elderly patients that have lost some teeth but not all of them.The overdenture is still removable.
An advantage of overdentures compared to full dentures is that the roots left in the jaw help preserve your bone. To be a candidate for overdentures, the gums around your existing teeth must be relatively healthy as not to cause any further problems.
Since there is no need for adhesives with overdentures, there is a less risk of gum irritation.
Problems and Risks Associated with Getting an Overdenture
First of all, overdenture can be very costly so that is sometimes a factor especially for elderly people living on a fixed budget. In addition, to be a candidate for implant supported overdentures, your jawbone must be healthy or you need to have existing surrounding teeth for support.
The recovery time is longer, and getting used to wearing your overdentures could take up to six months. It is important to choose the right dentist for your dentures to avoid additional health risks and complications.
Our teeth are designed to perform many tasks for us that help make living easy. Unfortunately, problems can arise that can lead to a complete or partial loss of teeth. Both regular and overdentures help provide ways to manage tooth loss and make our life easier in eating, talking, and yes smiling!
At 19th Avenue Dental, we offer both regular and overdentures. If you are missing teeth, call our office today for a consultation on your denture options.
