DON’T LET YOUR TEETH FALL OUT: 5 TYPES OF DENTAL PROSTHESIS DEVICES
The dental prosthesis aims to replace missing teeth to improve the look and functionality of your smile, as well as your ability to chew and speak.
When missing teeth affect your life in a negative way, it may be time to see a prosthodontist (a dentist who specializes in creating custom dental prostheses).
A dental prosthesis can be created from gold, porcelain, or natural teeth (depending on the device needed). Dental prosthesis devices include the following:
Partial Dentures
When your teeth are extracted, they leave empty spaces that need to be filled. If you’re missing several teeth and don’t want a full denture, try a partial denture. These are custom-fit prostheses, made from acrylic resin, designed to replace as many teeth as possible with no visible connection between your natural tooth and dental prosthesis.
Partial dentures also include caps, which serve as covers for your gums. They help protect against gum disease by covering exposed areas so bacteria can’t settle in. A cap is also used if you have crowns or bridges that aren’t attached directly to your jawbone (known as cantilevered crowns).
Full Dentures
These are fully removable and can be taken out at night for easy cleaning. If you already have a partial denture, you can get your dentist to make a new set so that you don’t need two sets of dentures.
Full dentures offer convenience and comfort, but they require daily attention, including special cleaning and keeping up with regular visits to your dentist. They may also come loose if they’re not properly maintained. A good pair will last anywhere from five years to a decade, depending on how well you care for them.
Implant-Supported Overdentures
This dental prosthesis device uses dental implants as a foundation for your teeth. Implants are normally fixed into your jawbone. They can be used to secure permanent or removable dentures, depending on which style you choose.
They’re useful if you have sufficient bone density. However, they can take anywhere from six months to two years to heal fully. Wearers claim they feel just like real teeth.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge consists of one or more crowns anchored onto adjacent teeth on either side of a missing tooth. Since its fixed into place, there is no fear that it will move out of alignment or fall out. A dental bridge can be made from various materials, but gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) are the most common.
This is also referred to as an implant retained denture or IRD. It has been shown to improve function and longevity compared with older methods. It is an excellent option for those who want their smile back quickly—and a great replacement for traditional dentures.
Flipper
You don’t want your teeth falling out, but that doesn’t mean you need to walk around with a full set. Flippers are designed so that when you have your bottom teeth on display. They still look like they should be there—they don’t have any roots or fillings.
Using these flippers with an over-the-counter retainer and putting them back in every night can prevent more serious damage. It can also keep your smile intact for a long time. If a tooth is already gone, however, you may not want (or be able) to use a flipper. You may have to opt for one of the other options instead.
Conclusion
Dental technology is continually evolving, giving people more options regarding how they handle their teeth falling out. This provides assurance that if and when the time comes for the use of a prostheses, you do not have to lose your confidence. You’ll also improve your ability to smile and laugh freely.