Dentures are artificial replacements for your natural teeth and gums. If an accident, a disease or poor oral health care has left you with only a few healthy teeth or none at all, your dentist might suggest dentures to replace your missing teeth.
The most common types of dentures are: partial and complete.Your dentist makes a model of your teeth by taking impressions. The impressions are used to custom-make your dentures.
Illustration of a partial denture before and after placement
Partial dentures are also called “removable partial dentures" or “partials.” They may be used when nearby teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge, or when more than just a few teeth are missing. Partial dentures are made up of one or more artificial teeth held in place by clasps that fit onto nearby natural teeth.
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Complete denture are used when all of the teeth are missing in your lower jaw or upper jaw or both jaws.
You should ideally take out your denture yourself after meals for cleaning and not use it at night while sleeping.
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Note: Dentures may look aethetically appealing as natural teeth but they usually are functionally inferior to one's natural dentition.