Dentures are artificial devices constructed to resemble and replace all or some missing teeth. Once teeth are removed denture devices are supported by the hard and soft tissue in the mouth. Generally, dentures are removable but there are also fixed options available through dental implants, bonds, and clasps.
Schedule an AppointmentWhat are complete dentures?
Full or complete dentures are prosthetics that replace all natural teeth in the mouth. They are custom made and shaped to fit a patients mouth. These types of dentures are usually removable but can be held in place by suction, adhesive or other methods.
Are there different types of complete dentures?
Complete dentures may be either conventional or immediate.
- Conventional dentures: these devices are made after the teeth have been removed and the body has healed the gum tissue. This method will leave the patient without teeth for 2-3 months.
- Immediate dentures: immediate dentures are made in advance and can be worn as soon as teeth are removed. Although the patient will not have to go without teeth, this type of denture often needs frequent adjustments during the healing process. Bone and gums shrink tend to shrink after teeth are removed so immediate dentures are typically a temporary fix until a conventional device can be made.
What are partial dentures?
Partial dentures are used to replace one or a portion of missing teeth. When a patient’s remaining natural teeth are not strong enough to support other tooth replacement methods, partial dentures are usually the chosen treatment option. In addition to improving a person’s smile appearance, partial dentures help hold existing teeth in place and prevent them from shifting.
Are there different types of complete dentures?
Almost all partial dentures are removable but fasten to neighboring teeth to hold them in place. The main variation between partial denture devices is what they are made out of and how they appear in the mouth.
- Metal framework dentures: a metal framework holds together the false teeth with this type of partial denture. Clasps are attached and connect to teeth to hold the device in place. The metal frame is less aesthetically pleasing than other options.
- Metal-free dentures: metal-free partial dentures can be made out of a variety of materials but their main feature is that they do not contain metal and therefore, look more natural. They have clasps similar to metal dentures that are designed to blend in with surrounding teeth.
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