Dentures serve as prosthetic devices replacing missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Custom-made Dentures are on the rise lately as they fit your mouth and improve dental function. Dentures come in varied designs, full or partial, depending on the number of teeth missing. Dentures are significant for oral hygiene because they maintain the shape of your face and prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
Not replacing the missing teeth isn’t fruitful as the remaining teeth start to move and tilt and are responsible for causing gaps, bite problems, and gum disease. Dentures improve the ability to speak, eat, and smile confidently, which will indirectly boost self-esteem.
So, now let’s discuss the 7 Different Types of Dentures.
- Complete dentures
Complete dentures refer to dentures to replace all your teeth in the upper or lower jaw or both. The remarkable aspect of these dentures is that they are custom-made to fit the contours of the gums and jawbone. Also, they resemble natural teeth and rest on the gum. These dentures are removable and restore your ability to chew and speak. Since they are capable of improving appearance, they boost your self-confidence. The only drawback is that these dentures feel uncomfortable or loose at first and require regular maintenance and adjustment or replacement over time.
- Partial dentures
Partial dentures find use when some, but not all, teeth are missing, allowing you to keep the existing teeth. The partial dentures find wide use as anchors and can be either removable or fixed. To use the Removable partial dentures, you will have to take them out and clean them daily. These removable partial dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base held in place by a metal framework that is responsible for providing stability and support. Most people opt for it for the reason that the Removable partial dentures are a cost-effective option that helps restore your ability to chew and speak. Fixed bridge partial dentures, permanently attached to remaining natural teeth, stay cemented onto your natural teeth on either side of the gap. However, these dentures serve as a more stable and secure option than removable partial dentures. However, the only drawback is that they are expensive and require more extensive dental work.
- Immediate dentures
Immediate dentures placed in your mouth immediately after the remaining teeth are extracted are custom-made to fit your gums and jawbone. These dentures come as complete or partial dentures. Immediate dentures to maintain your appearance. Also, these dentures help the gums heal. One of the positive sides is that you can place these in your mouth right after the removal of your teeth. But sometimes, there might be a necessity of adjusting or relining as your gums heal and shrink and are not fit, as well as permanent dentures.
- Snap-in dentures
Also referred to as Implant-supported dentures, the snap-in dentures attach to dental implants in your jawbone. These dentures are beneficial in the manner that they snap onto dental implants placed into your jawbone. These dentures are commercially available as complete or partial dentures, designed to be more stable and secure. The design is like the replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base snapping onto a series of abutments on the dental implants. Using these is highly recommended as they help you chew and speak more comfortably. Since these dentures look and feel more like natural teeth, you can rest assured of improved confidence and self-esteem. The only downside is that they are more expensive and require more dental work.
- Overdentures
Overdentures are the ones designed to sit on gum but stay anchored by dental implants. These complete dentures witness high use, although partials do exist. Removable dentures function as snap-in dentures, but you will also get the option of permanent overdentures supported by implants or a metal bar implanted in the gum. Overdentures cannot dislodge easily, letting you bite into something tough without worries. Natural looking overdentures stay secure and improve confidence.
- Economy dentures
Economy dentures are more affordable than other types. As generic dentures, economy dentures are not so not customized to fit your mouth. Also, they include downsides like being less comfortable and secure. Economy dentures do not offer a natural-looking appearance to the wearer and may be more noticeable. Economy dentures are a good option for people on a tight budget.
- Custom dentures
Also referred to as personalized dentures, custom dentures fit your mouth properly. Most dentures, as listed above, are custom dentures and are unique to the oral anatomy, making them more comfortable and secure. Personalized dentures or custom dentures offer the wearer’s mouth a natural-looking appearance, enhancing overall appearance and boosting confidence. When it comes to installing custom dentures, the dentist takes detailed impressions of your mouth and creates a mold to craft your dentures. The goal is to minimize discomfort and slippage. Also, these options are highly customized to match the shape, size, and color of natural teeth, and are thus virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Final say
Regarding the venture to choose, it can be said that there are several factors to be considered. Dentists determine the best option based on oral health status and your individual needs. When you have a couple of missing teeth, it’s recommended to choose partial dentures. For all teeth missing, complete dentures are necessary.
For a more stable and secure option, it’s highly suggested to opt for implant-supported dentures or overdentures. Also, it’s better to consider budget, as some dentures may be more expensive. The best type of dentures is dependent on your individual needs and preferences. Make sure that the dentist guides you through the decision-making process and recommends the best options so that you can achieve a healthy, functional, and natural-looking smile.
