Many people have missing teeth, whether the result of an injury or a side effect of a disease. This can make it challenging to eat and affect your confidence. Dentures are a non-permanent option to replace your teeth and restore your smile. Dentures are custom-made using porcelain or acrylic resin to fit inside your mouth and look like your natural teeth. The following guide can help you decide if they’re right for you. 

Types of Dentures

Dentures can come in a full or partial set. Partial dentures will replace several teeth that are missing consecutively. These fit snug against your lower gums or on the roof of the mouth and attach to the neighboring natural teeth with metal clips. 

Complete sets are horseshoe-shaped and are used to replace a full row of teeth. They are secured to your gums using a dental adhesive. Your dentist may remove any remaining teeth to prepare your mouth for the prosthetics. Conventional full dentures have an eight- to 12-week wait period between when your dentist makes the mold and when you receive your artificial teeth. This waiting period gives your jaw time to heal. 

Immediate full dentures are made before your teeth are removed and used just after. It will usually take several visits to the dentist to readjust the prosthetics as your jaw and mouth heal. Those with healthy gums and a strong jaw bone have the option of implant-supported dentures. These are more stable, as they’re secured to surgically-implanted metal posts. 

Are They Right for You?

Dentures sit on top of the gums except for implant-supported styles, which means you don’t need a perfectly healthy jaw bone to use this type of prosthetic. This makes them an excellent option for a wide range of cases. Since they cover a wider gap than other implants, dentures are best for people with multiple missing teeth in a row or overall significant tooth loss who want to restore their entire smiles. Additionally, they require minimal maintenance, including rinsing and soaking them in a cleaner, making them perfect for all lifestyles.

When it’s time to improve your smile, rely on the professionals at Flathead Denture in Columbia Falls, MT. They've helped patients in the Flathead Valley since 2012 and have been voted Best Denturist Office in the area for four years. Their services include conventional, immediate, and partial dentures, adjustments, repairs, and emergency services. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (406) 892-0700 to schedule an appointment.