Prosthodontics is the most popular branch of dentistry that aims to replace your missing teeth to restore the oral form and function in addition to rehabilitating the aesthetics. You could lose teeth due to caries, trauma, or gum disease. However, this can be replaced with the help of dentures that are removable appliances.
Dentures offered by the dentist in Rockingham, NC, are high-quality devices that are durable and last long if taken care of properly.
An insight into dentures
Dentures are modern, removable prostheses that replace missing teeth. They consist of a base made up of a resin or a flexible polymer that fits accurately over your edentulous space and mimics your natural gum line. The false or artificial teeth of the dentures are made up of a hard resin and replace the missing teeth to eliminate the potential problems caused by gaps.
Types of dentures
Dentures are of several types based on the purpose they serve:
Partial dentures
- These appliances replace one or a few missing teeth in the upper or the lower jaw.
Complete dentures
- These removable full appliances replace all your missing teeth in the upper and lower jaw.
Immediate dentures
- It is an appliance that you wear right after tooth extraction.
Implant-supported dentures
- These appliances are removable (snap-on) or fixed and gain support from a dental implant surgically inserted into the jawbone.
The denture process
When you visit the dentist for a denture, you can expect the following process:
Initial Consultation
Your dentist will evaluate your oral cavity to determine the number of missing teeth and assess your gum health. Dental X-rays will be taken to assess the jawbone thickness to design an appropriate treatment plan.
Denture Fabrication
Your dentist will take oral impressions of the upper and lower jaw and will be sent to the lab to create a dental model of your mouth. The lab technician will fabricate the denture by building the base and placing the false teeth. After about 1 to 2 weeks, when the dentures are ready, your dentist will call you and evaluate the occlusion (bite). Finally, the dentures will be polished to provide a natural-looking shine.
Denture Placement
Your dentist will place the new dentures in your mouth and check the fit. The denture will be evaluated for high points and proper occlusion, and necessary final adjustments will be made.
Bottom line
Replacing missing teeth is the prime aspect of oral rehabilitation since missing teeth can negatively impact your speech, mastication, and facial aesthetics. Dentures are excellent cost-effective teeth replacement procedures to restore your oral health and function.
