Types of Dentures Used today
Complete Dentures: Replace all teeth. Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. Complete or full dentures are made when all of your natural teeth are missing. You can have a full denture on your upper or lower jaw, or both.
Complete dentures are called “conventional or “immediate” according to when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit.
Partial Denture: Fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing positions. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.
An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. Immediate dentures also assist in healing and bone preservation in certain cases. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues have healed. Healing may take at least 6-8 weeks or months in certain cases.
Partial dentures are often a solution when several teeth are missing. Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic cases, which are connected by metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than metal clasps and are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments. Dentures with precision attachments generally cost more than those with metal clasps.
Overdenture: Is a removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture.