Are you thinking of getting dentures soon? If so, it’s best to make sure you get the right kind. But what are the different types of dentures?
Some people get dentures without knowing it comes in various kinds and styles. Although a few of them look similar, they differ when it comes to purpose.
Many recommend choosing what’s appropriate for your teeth. The question is, what types are there? Keep reading as we walk you through the options!
Full Dentures
One of the popular denture styles available is full or complete dentures. As the name suggests, they take up your whole mouth. It means it consists of an upper and lower set.
The goal of full dentures is to replace all your teeth. So, it’s usually worn by the elderly or people who lose all their teeth early. Wearing dentures is one way to continue experiencing the benefits of having teeth.
These dentures rest on your gum tissue and stay in place with the help of suction. You can prevent food from getting trapped inside them by using denture adhesive when you wear them.
Because of the nature of these dentures, you will likely wear them often. This means they’re prone to wear and damage. But at most, full dentures can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance and care.
Partial Dentures
Next to full dentures, another popular kind is partial dentures. These only fill gaps where teeth are missing instead of taking up your whole mouth.
Unlike complete dentures, you can go on without them since it only takes up the space made by missing teeth. One way or another, you can still function without them.
If you’re missing teeth in areas where you chew or bite, these dentures are a good way to restore that feeling. These usually come in two different types. Here’s a look at how they differ.
Removable Dentures
Removable partial dentures usually have built-in clasps for you to clip onto your natural teeth. You don’t need much preparation before you start wearing removable dentures, but the main criterion is to have healthy teeth.
These use your natural teeth as an anchor when you put them on, so it’s best to have strong teeth for them. Otherwise, they could cause discomfort or even pain.
Remember that you should remove and clean them often to make them last. Try to make it a habit to clean them at least once a day.
Fixed Bridge Dentures
Fixed bridge partial dentures are more permanent. It replaces missing teeth by connecting artificial teeth to each side of your natural teeth.
These tend to cost more because of the materials and procedures it requires. Moreover, you can’t remove fixed bridge dentures unless your dentist takes them out for you.
Same-Day Dentures
Other names for same-day dentures are immediate or temporary dentures. You usually get these on the same day you get your teeth removed.
Your dentist will likely make you wear these if you have to wait a while for your permanent dentures. This way, you can still enjoy food and the like without applying too much pressure on your natural teeth.
Dentists recommend these to help your mouth adjust to having dentures on or if you have sensitive teeth and gums. Immediate dentures also allow your mouth to heal without needing to make major adjustments to your usual lifestyle.
Snap-in Dentures
Snap-in dentures are removable types of dentures, so they often fall under the partial dentures category. But unlike conventional dentures, these are more stable.
Snap-in dentures stay in place using dental implants or screws within your jawbone. When the implants are in place, you can set implant-supported dentures on them.
The number of snap-in dentures you can add depends on the number of gaps in your teeth or the denture prices.
Snap-in dentures also provide a couple of benefits compared to conventional options. These include the following:
- Removable but stable
- Less likely to loosen
- Improves chewing ability
- Feels more snug
- Creates less friction in gums
- Fits naturally
- Preserves the jawbone
Overdentures
Overdentures sit on your gums and stay in place using dental adhesives. Since you can remove them, it also means you should clean them often.
Most of the time, overdentures take up your whole mouth. Lots of people refer to them as removable full dentures.
In some cases, dentists install dental screws in your jawbone to secure overdentures. At the same time, these could also be fixed in place permanently, depending on how its created.
Before getting these dentures, be sure to clarify how they work with your dentist. This way, you can choose dentures you’re comfortable wearing or having around.
Economy Dentures
Economy dentures are also called generic dentures. The main reason is due to its size. These dentures don’t guarantee they will fit your mouth. Instead, it’s kind of like a one-size-fits-all situation. So it may feel uncomfortable or look less natural.
Despite that, it’s the cheapest type of denture available. That makes them a convenient, cost-effective option for people who can’t afford to have them custom-made.
Custom Dentures
There are lots of types of custom dentures in the market. The cost of these dentures tend to cost more than other options, but they are often worth the expense.
Custom dentures look more natural since they are made to blend in better with your actual teeth. These are also tailored to the size of your mouth and teeth, so you can expect them to feel comfortable.
Some clinics offer more ways you can personalize these types of dentures. You can check this site if you want to find more on custom dentures.
Dental Implants
Implants are dentures that require your dentist to surgically place artificial teeth into your jawbone. The goal of its screws is to mimic your teeth’s roots.
The implants get loaded with prosthetics immediately after or within 6 months after the surgery to give them a natural fit. You can choose between several types of dental implants. Some of them include removable and permanent options.
Regardless of the type of dentures or teeth you use with it, the installed post becomes a part of your jaw after a while. So, one way or another, it feels like a natural part of your mouth!
Since the procedure requires installing a screw to your jawbone, you might wonder if it could lead to tooth problems. If that’s your concern, the answer is no.
Dental implants are generally safe. But since it still requires surgery, there are a few things you should consider before you get implants.
It’s best to contact a professional before you have them installed to make sure you’re a good fit for them.
Acrylic Resin Dentures
Various types of dentures also come in different kinds of materials. This also determines the cost of dentures, in addition to their scale and use.
The least expensive options are acrylic resin dentures. These are also the lightest and easiest to adjust, among other options.
But compared to other materials, acrylic resin dentures are less durable, so they may wear down sooner. You can expect to replace them after about 5 to 8 years.
Porcelain Dentures
Porcelain dentures are studier than acrylic, meaning they tend to last longer. These also provide better aesthetics since they appear more natural-looking and resemble real teeth well.
The material is also suitable for daily use, no matter how much you talk or chew. The durability of these dentures is close enough to make you feel like they’re your real teeth!
But these pros come at a price. Porcelain dentures are pricier than most types. They are also prone to breaking if you encounter an accident.
Metal Dentures
Some dentures are made out of metal, but they don’t necessarily include artificial teeth. If you have mental dentures, it means the clasps or the palate layer is made with metal.
Compared to acrylic and porcelain, these tend to last long and stay in place better. If you’re wary about appearance, you might want to reconsider getting these because the metal color tends to show. As a result, it looks the least natural among these options.
Flexible Material Dentures
Other clinics make dentures using different types of flexible materials, like polypropylene. These make the dentures feel more comfortable since they adapt to the shape of your mouth.
The downside is that it can result in bacteria build-up due to the nature of the material. You might have to clean them more often to avoid tooth problems.
Find Out About the Types of Dentures Here
It helps to know the different types of dentures if you want to be sure they are effective. These vary in comfort, style, and even price. This way, you can find a choice that works best for you!
Check out our blog to learn more about these topics.
