What are the Types of Dentures?
Because everyone’s mouth and oral health is unique, there are a number of types of conventional dentures available, including partials, full dentures, immediate dentures and overdentures.
As the name suggests, partial dentures (also called partials or removable partial denture prosthesis) are designed for patients with a few missing teeth.
The partial dentures themselves consist of one or more artificial teeth that are held in place with a clasp. These can be taken out by the patient at night before bed and for cleaning.
Full dentures (also called complete dentures) are for patients who have lost all of their teeth. Some people may find these uncomfortable at first as they do take some getting used to. Full dentures are held in place by suction or adhesives. The two types of full dentures are immediate dentures and complete dentures.
Immediate dentures are made prior to having your teeth extracted and put into place immediately. The advantage of this is that you do not have to wait until your mouth heals (up to six months) to have a full set of teeth again.
Complete dentures are usually put in place once gums and jaw have healed.
What’s the Implant Denture?
The implant is a metal frame or post embedded through surgery into the jawbone under the gums. Implant Dentists at Wellness Dental can fix the replacement teeth once these are in position.The main benefit is the implant is done to appear like a natural tooth. The crown (artificial tooth) is shaped so it is similar to a genuine tooth. It is not easy to differentiate implants from normal teeth even if you look at them closely. Another benefit is dental implants are long lasting. False teeth require replacing every 7 to 10 years but the implant is a permanent denture since it is attached to the mouth.
Do I Need Dentures?
If you are experiencing extensive tooth loss or have non-restorable teeth, you may need dentures to fully restore your smile all at the same time. Dentures can help improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. We typically recommend preserving your natural teeth when possible, but sometimes they need to be removed for therapeutic purposes. If that's the case, dentures are one of the fastest and most affordable solutions to replace all of your missing teeth at one time.
Full vs. Partial Dentures
Full dentures are designed to replace all of the teeth in one arch — such as all of your upper or lower teeth—with a single prosthesis. While partial dentures are designed to replace only some of your teeth, they clip into place around the healthy teeth you still have.
Full (Complete) Dentures
Full dentures can be either immediate or conventional. Immediate dentures are made before your remaining teeth are removed and are inserted immediately after any extractions. Conventional dentures are made after your gums have healed following tooth extraction. Many people choose to get an immediate denture and have it replaced with a conventional denture once their mouth has fully healed.
Partials
Partial dentures are designed to replace several missing teeth at one time. They can be made of acrylic with metal or flexible clasps that wrap around your remaining teeth. Partial dentures are a good option if you still have some natural teeth remaining.
Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdentures)
Implant-supported dentures, also known as overdentures or clip-on dentures, are a more secure and comfortable option than traditional denture designs. These dentures are supported by 2-4 dental implants underneath and made to "snap" or "clip" into place during the day. Implant-supported dentures are usually recommended for our patients who struggle with a secure or comfortable denture fit.
Caring for Your New Denture
Great oral hygiene is key for maintaining the health of your denture, gums, supporting bone, and any remaining teeth. You should brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled denture brush and mild soap or approved cleaner. Be sure to rinse your dentures thoroughly to remove any residual food or cleaning products. It's best to soak your dentures overnight, since you won't be wearing them while you sleep.
Alternatives to Dentures
While dentures are a good option for some of our patients, there are other alternatives that may be more appropriate for your needs. Dental bridges are a fixed restoration that is cemented to a pair of healthy teeth to replace the missing teeth between them. Also, dental implants are available to permanently replace teeth throughout your mouth, whether it's one or several.
Tips for Eating With Dentures
Cut your food into smaller pieces: To make it easier to chew firm textures, cut your food into small pieces for the first few weeks.
Avoid sticky or hard foods: Firm or tacky textures can be difficult to chew with dentures and may cause your dentures to shift.
Chew slowly and carefully: Take smaller bites and chew your food more slowly and thoughtfully.
Use both sides of your mouth: When chewing, try to use both sides of your denture to distribute the pressure evenly and prevent your dentures from tipping.
Be mindful of bones and pits: Be careful when eating meat with bones or fruit with pits. These hard textures can be difficult to chew around with dentures and may cause damage to your prosthesis.
With proper care and caution, you can enjoy a wide variety of foods with your dentures. If you have any questions or concerns about eating with dentures, we can provide you with specific guidance based on your individual needs and situation.
Denture FAQs
Should I Get Dentures?
Whether or not you should get dentures depends on your individual needs, how many healthy teeth you still have, and several other factors. At Wellness Dental, we can help you determine if dentures are the best option for you or if an alternative is available.
Do I Need to Use Adhesive With My Dentures?
A well-fitting pair of dentures rarely require adhesives. However, some people find they can benefit from denture paste when wearing lower dentures. Since upper dentures are stabilized by creating a suction, they should be able to comfortably rest against your gums without any adhesives.
How Much do Dentures Cost?
The cost of dentures depends on the type of denture and the materials used. Traditional dentures typically cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per arch on average.
Our treatment coordinators will help you estimate any insurance benefits as they relate to your denture design and discuss affordable financing plans that are available.
What Can I Eat With Dentures?
With dentures, you can eat most foods, but there are some foods that may require more care and caution. When you first get your dentures, we recommend that you start with soft, easy-to-chew foods. From there, you can gradually add more foods to your diet.
Taking Care of Dentures
It is actually very easy to take care of dentures. You will need to clean them every day with warm water to prevent warping. There are many clinic products to clean dentures. There are even electronic denture baths that are pretty economical.
