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Types of Dentures: Which One is Right for You?

Types of Dentures: Which One is Right for You?

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Types of Dentures:
Which One is Right for You?

Dentures are a type of dental prosthesis that are used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth and are designed to look and feel as natural as possible. Dentures can improve a person’s ability to eat and speak, as well as boost their confidence and overall quality of life. However, it is important to choose the right type of denture in order to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Choosing the right type of denture can be a daunting task, as there are many different types available. Each type of denture has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on the patient’s specific needs and preferences. Factors such as the number of missing teeth, jawbone health, and budget can all play a role in determining which type of denture is right for a particular individual.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the different types of dentures and their respective pros and cons. We will also discuss the importance of choosing the right denture and provide tips on how to make an informed decision. Whether you are considering dentures for the first time or are in need of a replacement, this guide will help you choose the best type of denture for your needs.

Types of Dentures Which One is Right for You

If you’re considering dentures, schedule a consultation with us to determine which type of denture is right for you and take the first step towards restoring your smile and confidence.

Types of Dentures

1. Complete Dentures

Complete dentures, also known as full dentures, are designed for patients who are missing all of their natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or both. They consist of a full set of artificial teeth that are set into a gum-colored base that sits on top of the patient’s gums. The base is made of either acrylic or porcelain and is custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth.

Advantages of Complete Dentures:

  • Complete dentures can improve the appearance of the patient’s smile and facial structure.
  • They can improve the patient’s ability to speak and chew food.
  • They can help support the patient’s facial muscles, which can improve overall facial aesthetics.
  • They are usually more affordable than other types of dentures.

    • Disadvantages of Complete Dentures:

  • They can be uncomfortable to wear, especially during the adjustment period.
  • They can slip or move around, which can make eating and speaking difficult.
  • They require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the build-up of bacteria and plaque.
  • They can contribute to bone loss in the jaw over time, which can affect the fit of the denture.

    • Best Candidates for Complete Dentures:

  • Patients who have lost all of their natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both.
  • Patients who have sufficient jawbone density to support the denture.
  • Patients who are in good overall health and are able to maintain proper oral hygiene.

    • Complete dentures are a popular and effective option for patients who are missing all of their natural teeth. While they may require some adjustment and maintenance, they can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life by restoring their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

    2. Partial Dentures

    Partial dentures, also known as removable partial dentures or partials, are designed for patients who are missing one or more natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. They consist of a removable artificial tooth or teeth that are attached to a metal or plastic framework that is custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth. The framework typically attaches to the patient’s natural teeth using metal clasps or precision attachments.

    Advantages of Partial Dentures:

  • They are a less expensive option than dental implants or fixed bridges.
  • Partial dentures can improve the patient’s ability to speak and chew food properly.
  • They can help prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place.
  • Partial dentures are removable, making it easier to clean and maintain good oral hygiene.
  • Partial dentures can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the patient’s smile.

    • Disadvantages of Partial Dentures:

  • Patients may experience discomfort when first wearing partial dentures, particularly during the adjustment period.
  • They can be visible when smiling or speaking, which can be a concern for some patients.
  • Like all dental appliances, partial dentures require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and plaque.
  • Partial dentures can contribute to bone loss in the jaw over time, which can affect the fit of the denture.

    • Best Candidates for Partial Dentures:

  • Patients who are missing one or more natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw
  • Patients who have healthy natural teeth that can support the partial denture framework
  • Patients with good overall health and a commitment to maintaining proper oral hygiene are suitable candidates for partial dentures.

    • Partial dentures can be an excellent solution for patients who are missing one or more natural teeth. They are less expensive than other options and can help improve a patient’s ability to speak and chew food properly. Proper care and maintenance of partial dentures can help extend their lifespan and ensure that they function properly.

    3. Immediate Dentures

    Immediate dentures, also known as temporary dentures, are designed to be worn immediately after a patient’s natural teeth have been extracted. They are typically used as a temporary solution while the patient’s gums heal and the final set of dentures is being created.

    Immediate dentures are custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth before the extraction procedure. After the procedure, the dentures are immediately inserted into the patient’s mouth to help protect the extraction sites and allow the patient to chew and speak normally.

    Advantages of Immediate Dentures:

  • They help protect the extraction sites and promote healing.
  • They allow the patient to chew and speak normally immediately after the procedure.
  • They help maintain the patient’s facial structure and prevent sagging.
  • They act as a temporary replacement until the final set of dentures is created.

    • Disadvantages of Immediate Dentures:

  • They may be uncomfortable to wear during the adjustment period.
  • They may require more adjustments than other types of dentures.
  • They may not fit as well as the final set of dentures.
  • They may be more expensive than other types of dentures.

    • Best Candidates for Immediate Dentures:

  • Patients who need to have their natural teeth extracted and do not want to be without teeth during the healing process.
  • Patients with a healthy jawbone and gums.
  • Patients in good overall health.

    • Immediate dentures can be an effective solution for patients who need to have their natural teeth extracted and do not want to be without teeth during the healing process. While they may require some adjustments and maintenance, they can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life by restoring their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Patients who have a healthy jawbone and gums, are in good overall health, and are willing to follow proper care instructions are ideal candidates for immediate dentures.

    4. Overdentures

    Overdentures are a type of removable denture that are designed to fit over existing teeth or dental implants. They can be used to replace all or some of a patient’s natural teeth. Overdentures are custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth and are designed to fit over the remaining natural teeth or dental implants. They are typically made from acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal.

    Advantages of Overdentures:

  • They help maintain the patient’s jawbone and prevent bone loss.
  • They are typically more stable than traditional complete or partial dentures.
  • They can be used to replace some or all of a patient’s natural teeth.
  • They can be easily adjusted or repaired if necessary.

    • Disadvantages of Overdentures:

  • They may require more maintenance than other types of dentures.
  • They may can be expensive.
  • They may not fit as well as the final set of dentures.
  • The remaining natural teeth or dental implants that the overdentures are placed over may need to be modified.

    • Best Candidates for Overdentures:

  • Have a healthy jawbone and gums.
  • Have some remaining natural teeth or dental implants that can be used for support.
  • Are willing to follow proper care instructions.
  • Are able to maintain good oral hygiene.

    • When considering overdentures, it’s important for patients to have a healthy jawbone and gums, and have some remaining natural teeth or dental implants that can support the overdenture. Patients must also be willing to follow proper care instructions and maintain good oral hygiene practices.

    Woman holding dentures

    If you’re considering dentures, schedule a consultation with us to determine which type of denture is right for you and take the first step towards restoring your smile and confidence.

    5. Snap-In Dentures

    Snap-in dentures are a type of removable denture that are held securely in place using snaps or attachments. They can be used to replace all or some of a patient’s natural teeth. Snap-in dentures are custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth and feature special attachments that snap onto dental implants or abutments that are surgically placed into the jawbone. These attachments help hold the denture securely in place and prevent it from slipping or shifting.

    Advantages of Snap-In Dentures:

  • They are typically more stable than traditional complete or partial dentures.
  • They can be used to replace some or all of a patient’s natural teeth.
  • They can be easily removed for cleaning or maintenance.
  • They can help maintain the patient’s facial structure and prevent sagging.

    • Disadvantages of Snap-In Dentures:

  • They may require more maintenance than other types of dentures.
  • They may be more expensive than other types of dentures.
  • The implants or abutments that the denture snaps onto may need to be modified or adjusted.

    • Best Candidates for Snap-In Dentures:

  • Have a healthy jawbone and gums.
  • Have sufficient jawbone density to support dental implants.
  • Are willing to follow proper care instructions.
  • Are able to maintain good oral hygiene.

    • Snap-in dentures are a popular option for patients who want a more stable and comfortable denture solution. They offer several advantages over traditional dentures, such as increased stability and support, and help preserve the jawbone.

    6. Flexible Dentures

    Flexible dentures, also known as flexible partial dentures or thermoplastic dentures, are a type of removable denture made from a flexible material instead of rigid acrylic. The flexible material is typically a type of nylon or thermoplastic. Flexible dentures are designed to be comfortable and lightweight. They are custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth and can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. The flexible material allows the denture to bend and flex as the patient moves their mouth.

    Advantages of Flexible Dentures:

  • They are more comfortable to wear than traditional acrylic dentures.
  • They are lightweight and do not put as much pressure on the gums.
  • They are less likely to break or crack.
  • They can be easily adjusted or repaired if necessary.

    • Disadvantages of Flexible Dentures:

  • They may not last as long as traditional dentures.
  • They may not fit as securely as traditional dentures.
  • They may require more maintenance to prevent staining or discoloration.

    • Best Candidates for Flexible Dentures:

  • Have a few missing teeth that need to be replaced.
  • Have healthy gums and jawbone.
  • Have good oral hygiene practices.
  • Are looking for a more comfortable and natural-looking denture option.

    • Flexible dentures offer a lightweight, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for patients who have missing teeth. They are a popular option for patients who want a denture solution that is more comfortable to wear and blends in with their natural teeth and gums.

    7. Implant-Supported Dentures

    Implant-supported dentures are a dental solution that utilizes dental implants surgically inserted into the jawbone to support the dentures. This type of denture offers increased stability and reduces the risk of slipping or dislodgement, resulting in greater comfort and confidence for the wearer. They are designed to provide increased stability and support compared to traditional dentures. 

    Implant-supported dentures are made up of two parts: the denture and the implants. The denture is custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth, while the implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. The denture is then attached to the implants, providing a secure and stable fit.

    Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures:

  • They provide increased stability and support, making it easier to eat and speak.
  • They help preserve the jawbone and prevent bone loss.
  • They are more comfortable to wear than traditional dentures.
  • They are more aesthetically pleasing since they do not require a plastic or metal base.

    • Disadvantages of Implant-Supported Dentures:

  • They may be more expensive than traditional dentures.
  • They require surgery to place the implants.
  • They may require more maintenance than other types of dentures.
  • The patient must have enough healthy jawbone to support the implants.

    • Best Candidates for Implant-Supported Dentures:

  • Have a healthy jawbone and gums.
  • Are in good overall health.
  • Are missing some or all of their teeth.
  • Are willing to undergo the implant surgery and follow proper care instructions.
  • Want a more comfortable and stable denture solution.

    • Implant-supported dentures offer a more stable and secure solution for patients seeking to restore their smile and improve their quality of life. They offer several advantages over traditional dentures, such as increased stability and support and help preserve the jawbone.

    Choosing the Right Denture

    Choosing the right dentures can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding which denture is right for you:

    Factors to Consider When Choosing a Denture:

    1. Level of tooth loss: The amount of teeth a patient is missing can determine which denture is best suited for them. For instance, patients who are missing most or all of their teeth may be better suited for complete dentures, while those who are missing only a few teeth may be better candidates for partial dentures.
    2. Jawbone and gum health: The health of a patient’s jawbone and gums can play a role in which denture is best suited for them. Patients with a healthy jawbone and gums may be better suited for implant-supported dentures, while those with significant bone loss may be better candidates for traditional dentures.
    3. Lifestyle: Patients should consider their lifestyle when choosing a denture. For instance, patients who have an active lifestyle may prefer implant-supported dentures because of their increased stability and support.
    4. Cost: The cost of a denture can vary depending on the type of denture, with some options being more expensive than others. Patients should consider their budget when choosing a denture.

    Consultation with a Dentist:

    It is important for patients to consult with a dentist or prosthodontist when choosing a denture. These dental professionals can evaluate a patient’s dental health and recommend the best type of denture for their individual needs.

    Conclusion

    Choosing the right denture can make a significant difference in a patient’s quality of life. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. However, consulting with a dental professional and considering factors such as level of tooth loss, jawbone and gum health, lifestyle, and cost can help patients make an informed decision. By taking the time to find the right denture, patients can regain their confidence, improve their oral health, and enjoy a better quality of life.

    YOUR DENTIST FOR Dentures IN WALL TOWNSHIP, New Jersey

    Types of Dentures Which One is Right for You - Wall Township

    Looking for dentures near you in Wall Township?

    Visit Dr. Avi Israeli of Sage Dental and Spa to bring your smile back by getting your custom-fitted dentures!

    Schedule a consultation today!

    Book a consultation!

    References: 

    https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-dentures-implants

    https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-dentures#:~:text=Two%20types%20of%20dentures%20are,when%20some%20natural%20teeth%20remain.

    https://www.healthline.com/health/false-teeth#maintenance

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279192/

    https://www.dentaly.org/en/dentures-false-teeth/types-of-dentures/

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