If your natural teeth are missing or decaying, dentures can help you maintain a natural smile and a strong bite. But since these false teeth are typically crafted to match a person’s individual needs, Tri-State Dental Care encourages all prospective denture wearers to review their options. To help you examine your choices, this Fort Wright, KY, practice offers details on the three main types of prosthetic teeth and when they may be ideal.

Your Guide to Different Types of Dentures

1. Complete Custom Dentures

Complete dentures are used to replace one or both rows of natural teeth. Typically, these devices sit on top of the gums and may require a special adhesive to stay bonded for the day. With help from a lab, your dentist will make a custom mold of your teeth and determine the best shade to match the natural tone of your original smile.

When Are They Best?

Complete custom dentures are generally used in situations when you have no or few healthy teeth remaining. They may also be required in instances when oral cancer affects the health of the natural teeth or when jawbone issues rule out the use of dental implants.

2. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are crafted in a similar fashion as complete sets but allow patients to keep some of their remaining natural teeth. Essentially, partials use metal wires to hook on or around natural teeth and prosthetic teeth to fill in open spaces.

When Are They Best?

If you have a few missing teeth that affect the look and function of your smile, consider talking to a dentist about partials. In addition to improving your smile’s appearance and bite, partials are an ideal way to prevent your other teeth from shifting.

3. Implant-Supported Dentures

Instead of fitting over the gums or clasping onto natural teeth, implant-supported dentures are designed to snap or clip onto the titanium posts of dental implants. Both complete and partial options are available for implant-supported devices.

When Are They Best?

Many prefer implant-supported dentures over other options due to the level of security they offer. To get these devices, your jawbone must be healthy enough to support the implant. It’s also worth noting implant-supported dentures tend to be among the most expensive options and often require more extensive dental work before the fitting process is complete.

Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution for false teeth, the specialists at Tri-State Dental Care can help you explore the best options for you. If it turns out dentures aren’t ideal, this northern Kentucky dentist can introduce you to a variety of advanced alternatives that can improve your smile, including fixed bridges and dental implants. Check out the clinic online to learn more about the general and cosmetic dentistry services they offer, or call (859) 426-2790 to schedule a convenient appointment at their Fort Wright, KY, office.