What are the Different Types of Dentures?

Dayton Dentures are a dental prosthetic used to restore the form and function of your mouth if you have missing teeth. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, there are a few options available to you and your dentist will help you understand what will work best for you and your lifestyle so you can make an informed decision. In this section, we will go over the different types and when they are appropriate. All dentures are fabricated from porcelain teeth which are mounted onto a base that is colored to match your gum tissue. Dentures are removable, making for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Types of Dentures

  • Partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth in one area of your mouth. If you have lost or will be having teeth extracted, a partial denture can be fabricated to restore the area. A partial has clasps that allow it to be secured to adjacent teeth and are removable making them very easy to clean and maintain. Partials are important to consider since they will help maintain the integrity of your remaining teeth by giving the opposing teeth a surface to bite on and keeping adjacent teeth from shifting.
  • Immediate dentures are fabricated specifically to be placed immediately following an extraction. Not everyone is a candidate for immediate dentures but it is an option worth discussing with your dentist as they help protect the extraction site while it heals.
  • Traditional full dentures are used to restore one or both arches of the mouth. When all of the teeth need to be replaced, a full denture works to do just that! It is held in place using denture adhesive and suction and is placed directly over the gums. These are also removable for care.
  • Snap-in dentures are a less expensive option that relies on dental implants to stay in place. The implants have attachments on them onto which the denture is placed, or snapped.
  • Implant-supported dentures are a set of dentures that are securely screwed down onto implants placed on the arch being restored. This denture is more costly and is not able to be removed except by your dentist. Even so, they are the most aesthetically pleasing and stable option.
  • Overdentures are another type of implant-supported denture but are able to be removed by the patient.

If you have a significant number of healthy teeth, you will likely only need a partial denture. You can have a denture on just the upper or lower arch so your dentist will determine what type of denture will best suit your needs. Your dentist will likely refer you out to an Oral Surgeon if you require extractions before your teeth can be restored. If you do not need any teeth extracted and are ready to have implants placed, you may be referred to a periodontist.

Your dentist will send your impressions off to their dental lab to have your denture fabricated. After you have healed from any surgeries, your new denture will be fit onto your arch. It is likely that you will require a couple of follow up visits while you get used to your new teeth! Dentures can be too tight and need adjusting. Make sure you let your dentist know if you are feeling any pinching or discomfort so you do not develop sores on your gums.

More on Dentures : What are Partial Dentures?