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The Different Types of Dentures, Explained

Which dentures are right for you? We're here to help you through the process with this guide explaining the different types of dentures.

If you're looking to get dentures fitted, the choice of different types and materials can sometimes feel overwhelming. From complete dentures to partial dentures, it's important to understand which type of denture is best suited to your needs.

But first, let's quickly cover what are dentures and why you might need them?

Dentures are a great solution for missing teeth. They are made from synthetic materials and fitted to precise impressions of your mouth. They closely resemble natural teeth and are often mistaken for them.

Now, let's explore the different types of dentures available to help you identify which might be right for you.

Complete Dentures

One of the most widely used types of dentures are complete dentures (also referred to as full dentures). Complete dentures replace all of a patient's teeth and tend to sit on top of the gums, unlike dental bridges which are attached to existing teeth.

A waiting period of 2-3 months is typically required after your teeth have been removed before placing the complete dentures in your mouth. Complete dentures are easily removable and can be taken in and out of the mouth as needed.

Of the different types of dentures, complete dentures are commonly associated with older patients who experience teeth loss. They can also be a great choice for younger patients who have lost teeth due to an accident or tooth decay.

Complete dentures allow food to be properly chewed and for all of the nutritional contents to be absorbed by the body.

Overdentures

Next, another popular type of denture is overdenture. These are also known as implant-retained dentures.

An overdenture is a removable tooth replacement that sits on top of the gums. Unlike complete dentures, it does not replace an entire set of teeth. An overdenture is held in place thanks to dental implants and can be placed on either the top or bottom set of teeth as required.

The dental implants that hold overdentures in place are called abutments. These are metal posts that allowed the dentures to click into place and remain firmly fixed in your mouth. A metal post can support more than one individual tooth, indeed often a whole row of teeth.

Overdentures must be removed every night for cleaning. This also gives your gum tissues a chance to recover from wearing the dentures during the day.

Fixed Partial Dentures

Another great choice for dental implants is fixed partial dentures. They are sometimes referred to as implant-support bridges. These are used when the patient still has some of their natural teeth, so a complete set of dentures is not necessary.

Fixed partial dentures are held in the mouth by abutments. These are metal posts that screw the tooth into the gum. Fixed partial dentures cannot be removed and are made from an acrylic material. They are best suited for patients who want to keep their dental implants permanently in place.

As well as making chewing food easier, partial dentures are beneficial for patients because they help to keep the other teeth in place. Partial dentures have a very natural appearance and easily blend in with the rest of the patient's teeth.

Removable Partial Dentures

Next, removable partial dentures are very similar to fixed partial dentures. However, their method of attachment means that they can be taken in and out of the mouth with ease.

Removable partial dentures are held in place by a gum-colored attachment fixed to a metal piece. There are two main types of removable partial dentures: cast and acrylic dentures. Cast acrylics are generally recommended by dentists for a more permanent solution. Long-term use of acrylic removable partial dentures can cause receding gums.

If you'd like any more information about how to properly clean and care for your removable dentures, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Dental Arts of Catoosa.

Snap-In Dentures

Another option for dentures is snap-in dentures. Snap-in dentures are popular because they allow for lots of stability of your dental implants. They are most commonly chosen for patients who do not have any teeth remaining but still have enough bone to support the dentures.

Snap-in dentures are held securely in the mouth thanks to attachments embedded within the tissue side of the denture. These attachments snap onto the implants, hence the name 'snap-in dentures'. Like removable partial dentures, these can be removed from the mouth and placed back in it with ease.

Remember, if you're unsure of which are the best dentures to opt for, your dentist can help you to make an informed decision.

Immediate Dentures

The final type of denture we need to cover here is immediate dentures. As the name suggests, these dentures can be fitted the same day as the patient's teeth are removed. Unfortunately, they are not a viable option for all patients, however.

Traditional dentures require up to three months before they can be fitted, in order to allow the jawbone and gums to heal. Immediate dentures are not fitted to an individual's mouth, unlike other types of dentures.

It is possible to get an interim set of immediate dentures to be used before a permanent set can be created and worn. If you'd like to find out more about getting an interim set of immediate dentures, don't hesitate to ask your Catoosa dentist.