Types of Dentures
A denture is simply a prosthetic piece that can replace a missing tooth, or set of teeth, allowing smiling, speaking and eating capabilities to be restored. There are various kinds of dentures, and it is good to know the options if you are considering getting any kind of dentures.
Types of Dentures
- Conventional Full Dentures: Full dentures (also called complete dentures) are a traditional style denture that can be used to replace all of a person’s teeth. These types of dentures rest on top of a person’s gums. They can usually be placed within 2-3 months after teeth have been lost or removed. Full dentures can help restore a person’s facial dimensions and help a person to be able to speak and eat comfortably again.
- Partial Dentures: If a person has some or many remaining natural teeth, partial dentures will often be recommended. These types of dentures are typically held in the mouth with clasps that are able to fit around a person’s existing teeth, but are removable which is convenient for many people. Partial dentures are usually constructed form acrylic materials and can help prevent the remaining natural teeth from moving.
- Custom Dentures: Custom dentures are a type of denture fabricated from more expensive, but also more natural looking and feeling, materials. These dentures get customized to a person’s mouth and specific needs. Typically, they are also table to be approved before installation.
- Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures are a type of denture that get placed immediately (on the same day) after a tooth (or teeth) are removed. Certain requirements need to be met to be a candidate for immediate dentures.
- Implant Supported Dentures: Implant supported dentures are a type of denture that use an implant to support and secure the denture. This type of denture offers a lot of support, providing a denture that is very solid and fixed in place. This type of denture also has a natural look and feel, and is built to last.
- Snap-in Dentures: Snap in dentures can offer a lot of stability for people. These types of dentures are held in place with the help of anchors or dental implants. They are unique in that they snap on to implants (or what are known as locator receptors). They are removable like partial dentures, but offer a lot of stability as well. This type of denture is most often used for people that do not have any remaining teeth, but do have enough bone left to allow for implants.
- Overdentures: Overdentures are a type of removable denture that sit on the top of gums, but are held in position by dental implants. They can be placed on the lower or upper jaw.
- Upper Dentures: Upper dentures are a type of denture designed specifically for replacing any missing teeth in the upper jaw.
- Economy Dentures: Sometimes, the most affordable kind of denture, economy dentures are considered a generic denture. This means that they may not fit comfortably or securely in the mouth, so often denture adhesive will be required for a somewhat secure fit. This type of denture typically also looks fake.