Implant supported dentures
An implant supported denture is a type of denture that is supported by and attached to implanted teeth. A regular denture rests on the gums and is not supported by implants. An implant supported denture can be used when a person does not have any teeth but has enough bone in the jaw to support implants. An implant supported denture is removable and can be cleaned daily and remains out of the mouth at night. Implant supported dentures are ideal for the lower jaw because regular dentures tend to be less supportive for the lower jaw.
Partial Dentures
A removal partial denture or bridge consists of replacement teeth adhered to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which are connected by a metal framework that holds the denture in place in their mouth. Partials are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed partial (or bridge) is permanent; it replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth next to the missing tooth and an implant for the space. The bridge is cemented into place to prevent adjustment or movement. A bridge also prevents the other teeth from moving. A precision partial, is removable and has attachments that are not seen, esthetic in appearance that attach to adjacent crowns. Partials are undetectable and appear as natural teeth. Removable appliances can be made to function very much like natural teeth if they are supported by dental implants. The denture can snap on the implants so that when you chew or speak, the denture remains fixed or unmovable allowing you to not only look as if you have your own natural teeth but be able to enjoy eating as if you never lost a tooth. Bridges can also be attached permanently to implanted teeth. Implants feel and look like natural teeth and support the bridge. Implants eliminate the need for adhesives, they preserve the bone underneath your appliance and can make you forget that you ever lost a tooth.
Conventional Dentures
These types of dentures can be either 'conventional' or 'immediate'. Conventional are made after the teeth have been extracted and the gum tissue has healed. Conventional dentures are placed about 8-12 weeks after the teeth have been removed. Immediate dentures are provided right after the teeth have been removed as a temporary option so that the wearer does not have to go without teeth. However, the gum tissue still has to heal and bones and gums shrink over time, especially during healing period after teeth removal. This means the 'immediate' dentures will require adjustment possibly several times after the healing process to fit properly until the conventional dentures are ready for placement.
There are so many options to chose from. A qualified dental specialist is best able to make the correct determination of what is the best for the patient dentally, functionally, esthetically and medically.
I want to reiterate what has been determined in Canada. Patients who had a two-implant-supported overdenture reported 97% of the time they were happier with their denture. 87% said they were more comfortable in their lives, happier around people and felt more confident. 84% felt systemically healthier. Over a six-month period, their diets changed and they ate more fruits, vegetables, corn, nuts, and in Canada, generally ate a healthier diet. The National Health system in Canada is now paying for an implant denture supported by two implants since they believe it will reduce the medical problems faced by patients who are fully edentulous in the mandible.
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