Types of Dentures and How They Work

Dentures Dentist East Grand Rapids MI

Curious about the types of dentures available to you? You don’t have to struggle alone with tooth loss! Our dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, has the knowledge and experience to completely transform your smile. At our dental practice, we offer several different options for patients interested in dentures.

Here’s what you need to know. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dental office in East Grand Rapids, MI.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture replaces one tooth or several teeth in a row. One of the benefits of getting a partial denture is that we don’t have to alter the adjacent teeth in any way. For example, to place a dental bridge we may need to prepare the adjacent teeth to receive crowns.

With a partial denture, you’re able to replace missing teeth while leaving your remaining natural teeth intact.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are perfect for patients who are missing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth. Likewise, you may also be a candidate for full dentures if you need multiple extractions due to injury or decay. A full denture restores your smile after significant tooth loss, improving your oral health and boosting your confidence in the long run.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures, also called healing dentures, are typically offered to patients after extraction. As the name suggests, they immediately replace missing teeth while acting as a band-aid as the body heals. Immediate dentures are also a great option for anyone who may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about having missing teeth after extractions.

Keep in mind that immediate dentures are temporary. At some point, they’ll need to be replaced with a permanent denture appliance. This is because the gum tissue contracts as it heals, which alters the fit of your immediate dentures.

Permanent Dentures

Once you’ve healed from any extractions, we’ll take impressions and send them to the lab that will be making your permanent dentures. With proper denture care, your appliance can last between 7 and 10 years. However, this is dependent on you practicing good oral hygiene at home and continuing to see our East Grand Rapids dentist for preventive care.

The better you care for your smile, the longer you can expect your permanent dentures to last. During your routine checkups, we’ll also be able to see how your dentures fit and recommend adjustments as needed. That way, your dentures continue to fit comfortably and look natural.

Implant-Supported Dentures

One of the disadvantages of removable dentures is that they can occasionally slip. The good news is that you won’t have to worry about this if you choose implant-supported dentures. This appliance contains a full arch of prosthetic teeth that are held in place by four or six dental implants. Since each patient is different, you’ll need to consult with our dental implant dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, for more details.

Book a Consultation for Dentures

Ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more attractive smile? Our dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To schedule an appointment, please call the dental office of Richard Elias III DDS at (616) 458-2048. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

We are delighted to welcome you to our practice!

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