Types of Dentures
What is a denture?
A denture is a removable set of false teeth. Dentures can be made from several types of material, and can be worn if all teeth are missing, or if only a small number of teeth need replacing.
Removable Dentures
Removable dentures are the treatment of choice for many patients with missing teeth. The pink material is made from acrylic that resembles gums and the denture teeth are plastic or porcelain.
Implant-Supported Dentures
With implant-supported dentures, bars or ball fixtures are attached to the patient’s mouth to offer greater support to the dentures.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are for those who have lost all or most of their teeth.
Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-coloured plastic bases, 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 aesthetic than metal clasps and they are nearly invisible. Crowns on natural teeth may improve the fit of a removable partial denture and are usually required with attachments. Dentures with precision attachments may cost more than those with metal clasps.
Denture Procedure: Any teeth that need to be extracted are removed and the tissues are given time to heal. Then, an impression of the mouth is taken and sent to the lab. The lab will then fabricate your new dentures.
Denture Benefits: Improved chewing (mastication), speech, self-esteem, appearance.
Denture Risks: Difficulties with eating, chewing & speaking, increased saliva in mouth, soreness, irritation.
Denture care: Plaque can form on dentures, so it is important that they are well looked after. Some methods include rinsing dentures in water, using denture cleanser, or having a dental professional clean them. New dentures should be refitted every few years and should be re-made every 5-10 years.
Candidate for Dentures: Partial dentures are suitable for those who have most of their teeth, complete dentures are for those who have lost all of their teeth.
Materials: The pink material is made from acrylic that resembles gums and the teeth are plastic or porcelain.
