Different Types of Dentures and How to Care for Them
Learn more about the different kinds of dentures
There are several ways to replace your missing teeth. Your dentist will be able to recommend the best option for you, whether it’s a denture, bridge, or implant. If your dentist does recommend dentures, there are several types of dentures on the market—each made from different materials and serving different purposes. That’s why it’s important to understand what the benefits of the different types are when deciding on the best type for you. Here’s a look at some of the options:
Full dentures
Full dentures, or complete dentures, consist of both upper and lower sets and are removable devices that can be used to replace missing teeth. The denture teeth are made out of porcelain or acrylic and are held together by an acrylic or metal base. Full dentures may be needed when you lose all of your teeth and they can help fill out your appearance again, leaving you feeling more confident to smile.
Both upper and lower dentures rest on the gum tissue and the suction helps to keep them in place. Denture adhesive can also help secure your dentures and stop any food particles from causing discomfort, which can happen if they become trapped under the denture. With proper care and maintenance, full dentures can last anywhere from 5–10 years.
Partial dentures
Upper and/or lower partial dentures are designed to fill the gap created by missing teeth. Partials can be unclipped and removed when needed, helping you feel more confident if you’re missing a small number of teeth.
Temporary dentures
Temporary dentures—also called immediate dentures—are dentures that can be fitted right after your teeth have been removed. They are an option to help you carry on as normal while waiting for your new permanent dentures to be fitted. You can return to eating the foods you love, without putting too much pressure on your remaining natural teeth
They may be recommended by your dentist as a way to help ease your mouth into wearing dentures, or if you’ve previously had issues with sensitive teeth or gums. By reducing the pressure on your remaining natural teeth when eating, temporary dentures will let your mouth heal without you needing to make any major changes to your lifestyle. Your dentist will take measurements and models of your teeth beforehand so the dentures are ready for you to wear while your jaw is healing.
Flexible dentures
Flexible dentures are a kind of partial denture, but they are made of different materials from ordinary partial dentures. Most flexible dentures are made of a thin thermoplastic such as nylon, compared to the thicker, more rigid acrylic used in full dentures.
You may find that flexible partial dentures are a more comfortable fit than other removable partials, especially if you’re still new to wearing replacement teeth. Not only that, but most partial dentures are usually made with metal parts that can sometimes show. Flexible dentures do not use any metal parts so they tend to look and feel a lot more natural.
Fixed bridge
A fixed bridge is used to replace missing teeth by surgically cementing an artificial tooth, known as a crown, to the remaining natural teeth on each side. Like all surgically fixed dentures—including implants, implant–supported dentures, and snap-on dentures—fixed bridges tend to cost more than removable dentures.
Cantilever bridge
A cantilever bridge is recommended when a molar is missing and there are no teeth on 1 side of it to support the bridge. One or more teeth on the other side are instead used for support.
Implants
Dental implants mimic the roots of your teeth. They are surgically placed into the bone and fuse with it over time for a natural fit. The implants are then “loaded” with a prosthetic, either immediately after surgery or within 6 months.
Implant-supported fixed dentures
Implant-supported fixed dentures feature a crown that is secured to surgically inserted implants in your jawbone. It is then fixed in place with screws.
Snap-on dentures
Snap-on dentures are removable crowns that snap on and off of surgically inserted implants in your jawbone. They fasten securely so you can chew the foods you love without worrying about your dentures coming loose.
No matter which type of dentures you get, remember it’s important to take proper care of them. That’s why Polident denture cleansers and Super Poligrip denture adhesives are here to help you embrace life with dentures.
