Dentures have long been a helpful option to restore your teeth and gums while giving you a new smile. There are many different denture types you can choose from.
As with many other dental procedures, there have been great advances, and today’s dentures are made safer and more comfortable to wear. Below you will learn about different types of denture.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a lab-made set of teeth which are fit over an acrylic base and designed to be placed on your gums. They are prostheses that replace a set of teeth and the surrounding tissues.
A denture is recommended when you have several missing teeth in a row, you are unable to bite, chew, talk or even smile normally.
Missing teeth also contribute to getting droopy face muscles, which make people look much older. Dentures provide a solution to this.
Traditional Denture Types: Removable vs Fixed
There are two types of denture: removable or fixed. Within removable dentures, your prosthodontist will decide whether you need full dentures or partial dentures based upon the state of your oral health or how many teeth you have left.
A. Removable denture types
1. Full Dentures
When there are no (or very few) remaining teeth in your mouth, a full denture is an alternative.
This prosthesis (for upper or lower jaw) fits over the top of your gums to provide you with a full set of teeth while restoring your mouth’s basic functions.
It’s good to know that it will take some time until you get used to speaking, biting or chewing with the prostheses.
2. Partial Dentures
You can opt for partial dentures when you still have some healthy and strong teeth left. Partial dentures allow you to fill those spaces where some teeth are missing.
This type of denture is attached to a metal piece that holds and keeps the denture fixed to the neighboring teeth.
Whether full or partial, dentures typically mean that:
- You need to have the remaining teeth completely removed and wait some 8-10 weeks for your gums and tissues to heal. Once your gums have healed the denture can fit in.
- You can have your dentures custom-made. Though you might also opt for immediate dentures, custom-made prostheses provide a better fit and look.
- It will take some time for you to get used to the prosthesis. Fortunately, today’s dentures are much more secure and comfortable to wear.
- You will need to take your dentures out at night and put them in water or soaking solution to keep them moist. Also, daily brushing is absolutely important (just like with your natural teeth).
- You will need to handle the prosthesis with care to avoid breaking it.
B. Fixed Denture Types
As opposed to traditional dentures, fixed dentures are not removable. They can also be for full or partial replacement. Unlike the traditional ones, fixed dentures are implant-based so you don’t have to take them out daily.
Fixed or implant-supported dentures typically mean that:
- You will have implants (two, four or six) placed in your mouth to make the denture fixed and make it non-removable.
- You will benefit from a denture which is more stable, avoiding unexpected falls or accidents.
- Your dentist will also have to take impressions to have your prosthesis custom-made.
- You will need to brush them as you used to brush your teeth (no soaking is needed)
- You will need to keep your visits as regular as your dentist suggests to check that the denture is working well in your mouth.
Dentures will look natural and last long if they are well-maintained. They can be an option to restore your teeth and gums, your bite and the look of your smile.
