Dentures 101: Everything You Need to Know

There are various types of Dentures.

Missing teeth can be a real bummer. But don’t worry, we are here to save the day! Also known as false teeth, dentures are a type of prosthetic device that can help you chew, speak, and smile with confidence once again. Whether you need to replace all of your teeth or just a few.

There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Full are the ones you probably picture in your head, they replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They’re made from acrylic and fit snugly over your gums. They can take a little getting used to but with time and practice, you’ll be able to use them comfortably.

On the other hand, partial are for when you still have some natural teeth left. They’re a combination of acrylic and metal and are held in place by clasps that attach to your natural teeth. They’re usually more comfortable and stable than full dentures, so if you’re having trouble adjusting to full, partial might be a better option for you.

Caring for your dentures is super important to make sure they last a long time and to avoid discomfort or infection. You should remove and clean them daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap. Rinse them thoroughly and soak them in a cleaner overnight. Avoid using harsh chemicals or hot water as they can damage your dentures.

Dentures can be made in a complete or partial form and can be backed by implants. They are removable and can be collected at will, making them easy to clean at night. They are more comfortable today than ever before.

Types of Dentures

• Traditional complete or Complete dentures are used to replace all of a patient’s natural teeth. As opposed to dental bridges, which are anchored to existing teeth, they rest on the gums. A complete denture is a removable acrylic prosthesis that replaces missing teeth, soft tissue, and bone along the entire dental arch. They are relatively inexpensive, simple to fabricate and repair, and offer an acceptable level of aesthetics and function for the majority of patients. Patients frequently express dissatisfaction with their dentures’ retention and their diminished ability to taste and chew compared to natural teeth. It may be possible to alleviate these issues by retaining a few teeth in an arch to serve as abutments for an overdenture. On these endodontically treated roots, the denture rests and attaches via a retentive attachment. These abutments provide the greater stability than traditional full ones and also aid in preserving the residual ridge. When chewing with a natural tooth overdenture, some patients report retaining a proprioceptive “feel.”
• A partial one is intended to be attached to the residual teeth. It can be plastic or metal or a combination of these materials. It is attached to the teeth with metal clasps or flexible color tooth clasps. Precision attachments can be used as well that are much less noticeable than clasps. Such partial ones are usually made from an alloy of molybdenum and chromium with a covalent bond between ceramists, making them sturdier and more comfortable and less likely to damage the gums surrounding the teeth they rest upon. They’re also more difficult for gums to become attached to.
• Custom ones fit your mouth and jaw exactly and feel so natural in the same way that your natural teeth did. They are available as either complete or partial, depending on your number of missing teeth. While they may not only be a method of restoring your mouth’s full functionality, they do give you a beautiful smile that you’ll enjoy showing off. You can chew better and eat the foods you like. Speaking will be much easier. They will boost your self-confidence with a full, bright smile. Improves your facial structure. They look like your natural teeth. Provides an option for those who can’t receive dental implants.
• Immediate dentures: The primary difference between an immediate and a regular, permanent one is that the former is a temporary arrangement. Immediate ones aren’t custom made to fit one’s mouth, so they may not fit properly. Your dentist will extract your teeth, after which your immediate dentures will be placed in your mouth the same day. Temporary dentures will stay in your mouth for the first few months as you await the arrival of your permanent dentures.
• Implant-supported dentures: Implants are usually placed in the upper jaw at the front of your mouth, and the implantation procedure may take from 5 months to more than two years depending on the preliminary surgery that needs to occur or need for bone reconstruction. The typical procedure is consisting of a two-surgery setup, with the first procedure inserting the implants in the jaw underneath your gums and the second surgery revealing the tops of your implants. Dentistry that involve an implant-supported jaw can entail multiple procedures over time. While the process for implant-supported dentures may seem exhaustive, the advantage they provide is more reliable support than bridgework or dentures, leaving patients significantly less susceptible to skin problems.
• Snap-in dentures are a process for inserting false teeth that are secured on your own teeth using implants. They are cheaper than dental-implant-supported dentures, and more expensive than dentures. This type of denture is regarded by experts as a better tooth-replacement option than standard dentures that adhesives hold still, and a more desirable tooth-replacement option than purely cosmetic products like clip-on veneers (although clip-on veneers should hardly be considered a tooth-replacement option). Before you have false teeth implanted in your upper or lower jaw or both, if you choose, the implants will let you snap in your snap-in dentures. Eat and drinks can be taken with your dentures only with your tongue. They typically need to be taken out of the mouth at night.
• Overdentures: Many patients who have lost all their teeth or have all of their teeth are familiar with the effects of dentures slipping or loosening while laughing or sneezing. An overdenture is a dental prosthetic that solves the issues associated with common dentures. Overdenture is a dental prosthesis that is inserted into your jawbone using an implant. It creates an artificial smile to grant you the ability to eat, speak, and smile in your natural pleasure. Having an overdenture can facilitate a person’s quality of life by functioning as a natural replacement for missing teeth.
• Upper dentures are false teeth specifically made for your upper jaw. They are false teeth made from either acrylic or porcelain, and they help to replace your lost teeth so their appearance improves, the way you speak, and you chew food more naturally. On top of that, they prevent face and facial structure sagging, thus maintaining the bone anatomy. Different types of uppers are obtainable based on the number of teeth that needs replacing, your budget, and your dental health. An upper that doesn’t have a plate covering the upper palate, such as implants, natural tooth-retained overdentures, fixed removable restorations, or a traditional palateless denture with a horseshoe-shaped frame, is considered palateless.

They come in all shapes and sizes and can provide relief for a wide range of dental issues. Some are removable, while others are fixed in place. There are many different types to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences.

If you’re considering them, it’s important to understand the different types so you can find the right fit. 

It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly to have them checked and adjusted as needed. This will help ensure that they continue to fit properly and function correctly.

In short, they are an amazing solution for missing teeth and can help you regain your confidence in no time. Talk to your dentist about the different types available and which one may be the best option for you. And don’t forget to take good care of them!