Types of False Teeth That You Can Use To Enhance Your Smile

Types of False Teeth That You Can Use To Enhance Your Smile

6th October 2020

If you have lost some or all of your teeth, it is not the end of the world. Prosthetics are available that can work perfectly for chewing and give you a brilliant smile. This replacement for your teeth is known popularly as dentures.

There are many types of dentures or false teeth. Which one you choose depends on your budget, if you have a neighboring tooth adjoining the gap, the health of the remaining teeth and

The location, upper or lower jaw, also matters.

Besides, other factors that play a role include age and usage. It is a complex decision that you and your dentists would have to discuss in reasonable detail.

This guide describes the principal types of dentures you could avail of in the United Kingdom.

Types Of Dentures

All dentures can be broadly divided into two types – complete and partial. Dentists prescribe partial dentures when some teeth are remaining.

Complete

Complete dentures are for the aged who have lost all of their pearly whites.

You can see these prostheses on the elderly’s bedside, placed in a glass of water when they aren’t being used.

Previously artificial dentures were made from hard plastic and even porcelain. For the past three decades, a chemically treated resin has been used in dentures. This material is as hard as natural teeth. However, in practice, they can sometimes chip. Not to worry. The advantage is individual artificial teeth can easily be replaced by your dental care provider.

The artificial teeth are on another piece of gum-colored resin that exactly fits the gum line. Your dentist will take an impression of your gum on soft putty-like material. Even after manufacture, you have to try it out and return a few times to have it perfectly shaped to your jawbone so that prolonged use causes no discomfort.

These dentures last long but have to be changed after a few years because, as the patient ages, they lose bone mass from the jaw, and the denture would become loose-fitting.

Partial

Let’s check about the partial dentures types and the cost of partial dentures in the UK

1. Implant

The most popular type of partial dentures is implants. The technique is relatively recent, and it is the closest you can come to having your original tooth back.

The dental implants even have a root just like normal teeth. The root is a titanium screw that is used for anchoring the artificial tooth.

The screw is fixed into a hole drilled into the jawbone. The procedure requires extensive x-ray imaging and the use of local anesthesia. If the dentist deems necessary, overnight admission to a hospital might also be advised, but that is rare.

The screw is literally planted into the jaw, and for a few weeks, the bone is allowed to grow back and clasp the screw firmly.

The top of this implant can be used for fitting a crown. The end result is exceptionally aesthetically appealing; in fact, more than the original tooth it replaces.

This is the most effective procedure with no difference in appearance, stability, and chewing from a normal tooth. That is why it is also the most expensive. Visit the best dentist for implants.

2. Removable

In design, it is the same as a complete denture, but instead of replacing all of the teeth, it only replaces the missing ones.

The core of the denture is a metal frame that makes pain. From the structure, two clasps extend on either side that anchor themselves on adjoining teeth.

The design and placement of the anchor hook are decided by the dentist. The concept has existed for decades and is quite cheap to obtain.

Its drawback is that it causes some degree of discomfort throughout its use. There might not be any pain, but you always feel there is a foreign object in your mouth cavity.

An alternative to the traditional hooks is the flippers. Acrylic is the material of choice for making these and uses suction to anchor themselves. The saliva forms a thin film between these and the mouth, causing them to stay in place. Flippers are usually used for a short duration since they are supported only by the gums. Long term use can lead to gum problems.

Apart from the type of false teeth, it is also essential to know about different material types. The best material for crowns is zirconium oxide.

3. Bridge

If only one or two consecutive teeth are missing, dentists depend on a bridge. A variety of dental bridges have been in use for over a century. The most popular is the cantilever and traditional designs. This design determines how the load of the artificial tooth passes to the adjoining teeth, and externally both look the same.

The crown material is hard resin or ceramic. A bridge is made to order after accurate measurement. They snap on and can be opened with a push. As far as aesthetics and chewing, they are quite perfect until the adjoining teeth begin to age.

Benefit of Dentures

Denture provides a natural smile. A gap in tooth causes a lack of self-confidence. This can have an impact on mental health and, consequently, on income and other aspects.

Denture provides a natural bite. Usually, the upper and lower teeth keep each other in place by exerting pressure. If any of the pair is removed, the other jaw’s corresponding tooth begins to come out slowly. This is known as eruption, and ultimately the healthy tooth has to be pulled out after a few years.

Denture allows chewing. If food is not adequately masticated, there is a lack of digestion. Undigested food causes constipation, bloating, and gas. A denture is a must-have for proper nutrition.

Caring for Your False Teeth

They are artificial, but dental implants also need brushing. Plaque can also build up on false teeth quickly.

Flossing though is not needed. In case of removable dentures, wash them in warm water and brush away and debris with a toothbrush. With time you would note that dentures discolor slightly. That is natural.

Dentures can develop debris collection like a regular tooth. You could use vinegar and water solution to gently clean them.

Complete dentures need hydration overnight. It is usually placed in a glass of water. Your dentist might prescribe a unique solution.