Different Types Of Dentures: What Dentures Are The Best To Get?
Last Updated on November 8, 2023 by Jade
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If you think that you may need dentures, it is important to know the difference between the different types of dentures available. Depending on your budget and your specific needs, one type of false tooth option may be better for you than another.
The most well-known types of dentures available are full dentures and partial dentures.
Full dentures, also commonly referred to as standard dentures (or colloquially known as false teeth), will replace a complete set of natural teeth, either a full set on the lower and/or upper jaws.
Partial dentures may replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth.
However, nowadays there are a variety of other denture options that are available which may be appropriate.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the most common of the different types of dentures currently available for you to consider and discuss with your dentist…
Different Types Of Dentures Available
Traditional Complete Full Dentures
These are typically the types of dentures that commonly come to mind when the term “false teeth” is used.
Full Dentures or complete dentures or standard dentures are designed with a full mouthpiece made from acrylic. They adhere to the palate (upper jaw full denture) and to the gums (lower jaw full denture) of the mouth. Complete full dentures replace all missing teeth and sit on top of the gums rather than dental bridges that are affixed to existing natural teeth.
Precision fitting is important to achieve a secure fit. Usually, the entire fitting will take up to four sessions with the dentist. The fitting sessions include the designing and manufacturing of the full dentures.
As the name suggests, full dentures are designed for those who have lost all their natural teeth by way of tooth decay, periodontal or gum disease, and trauma.
Complete full dentures are usually placed two to three months after all the natural teeth have been removed.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are intended to replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth. They are made in the same way as full dentures, however, the differences are that partial dentures cover less area in the mouth and they use special clips as attachments to existing healthy teeth. While full dentures depend on suction to hold in place, partial dentures rely on attachments to another tooth.
Partial dentures are removable so they can be taken out at any time and are constructed from either acrylic material or an acrylic-like material. They keep other teeth from shifting around.
To read a more detailed comparison between Partial Dentures vs Full Dentures, click here.
Flexible Dentures
Flexible Dentures may either be partial or full dentures. The comfort level provided by flexible dentures is among the highest of the various denture types available in the market today.
The flexibility, made possible by the flexible coating of resin on the denture base’s outer layer, allows the flexible dentures to remain in place around the jaw bone for maximum stability.
Other remarkable features include very thin and lightweight, cosmetically pleasing, non-porous resin material, and basically unbreakable denture bases.
To read more about flexible dentures, click here.
Cosmetic Dentures
Cosmetic Dentures may either be full or partial dentures. Aesthetically, they are worlds apart from the false teeth used by our grandparents. The advancements in denture technology have given birth to great natural-looking dentures that are at the same time durable and functional.
Cosmetic dentures also give an instant facelift without surgery by increasing the space or distance between the lower and upper jaws that stretch the facial muscles.
Patients are given the option to select the color of the base gum, the color, and size of teeth as well as the style and shape that will perfectly match a beautiful smile on their faces.
Economy Dentures
On the other end of the scale are economy dentures. These are typically a generic type of false teeth so they may not fit as securely or comfortably in the mouth as other most costly varieties. Economy dentures also have lower quality teeth so they can appear less natural. For individuals with this type of denture, a denture adhesive is often required to keep them in place.
Custom Dentures
As the name implies, these dentures are custom-made for your mouth. They are comprised of better-quality teeth, which will make them a little more expensive than other false teeth options.
These dentures are also a variety you will be able to examine before they are completed. The type of teeth used will also make custom dentures a more natural-looking choice.
Immediate Dentures
The procedure used with these dentures is very different from any other type of false tooth. Immediate dentures are placed into the unhealed gum sockets right after tooth extraction. Patients will not leave a dental office with gaps between teeth or with all their teeth gone. The immediate or “temporary” dentures are used to keep your surrounding natural teeth properly spaced while your mouth heals.
After your gums have healed, you will be fitted with your permanent dentures. Therefore, they are a good choice for individuals waiting for their implants and for those waiting for the final fit of their full dentures.
While this is an effective option, individuals must meet specific requirements to be good candidates for this procedure. In other words, these are not designed for everyone in need of dentures.
Implant-Supported Dentures
A dental implant is the key component of implant-supported dentures. The basic procedure for implant dentures requires implanting of titanium posts through surgery directly to the jaw bone. When the gums are completely healed, the prosthetic tooth/teeth will be cemented permanently onto implanted posts. The result will be as natural as the original teeth and it is quite hard to distinguish one from the other.
The implant provides a strong, solid foundation for the denture which holds it firmly. Another advantage of this type of denture is that the materials used make these false teeth appear to look more natural than some of the other choices here.
Implant dentures are the most expensive among the types of dentures.
Overdentures
Also known as implant-supported dentures or snap-in dentures, Overdentures are quite simply a type of denture that sits over the top of the gums. They are held securely in place with the assistance of dental implants or anchors attached to existing natural teeth. Overdentures are not only removable but they can be created for just uppers or lowers depending on what is required.
Being removable, they are convenient and are typically the choice for individuals without any natural teeth remaining. These dentures are unique in that they contain attachments that are embedded in the denture that help “locate” receptors in the implants for quick fitting.
Upper Dentures
Upper dentures are designed to replace just the upper teeth. They are ideal for individuals who are missing teeth, regardless of how many, from their upper jaw. Upper dentures are designed to look like natural teeth, although, depending on the quality, may look fake and not all-natural.
In Conclusion
The limited false teeth options that existed in the past have now been replaced with a variety of dentures to suit your specific needs and budget. There are now many different types of dentures to choose from. The list above covers the most common varieties and explains what each of them is.
Understanding the different types of dentures can help you in determining which is best for you. It is good to educate yourself but always talk to your dentist for specific advice.
If you are considering your false teeth options, your best solution is to make an appointment with your oral healthcare professional to discuss which of the different types of dentures is the best option for your specific situation. So book in to see your dentist so that you can get their specific advice on your personal circumstances to see what will be the best option for you.
