What are the different types of dentures?
Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available — complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.
Partial Dentures
A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is sometimes connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This “bridge” is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking appliance.
Type of denture base
1. Plastic/acrylic base: pink plastic base with or without wire.
Pros of plastic/acrylic denture
- Simple and Economical.
- If there is more tooth loss in the future, acrylic tooth can be added to the denture. It can be used as an interim denture in periodontal patient or in patient with poor prognosis teeth.
- Used as an interim denture before permanent denture can be made
Cons of plastic/acrylic denture
- Thick acrylic base which might cause discomfort when eating or disrupt speech
- Acrylic is brittle and has short life span
2. Metal base: made from cobalt, chromium . Suitable for patient with healthy remaining teeth
Pros of removable partial denture:
- Metal base is thin which is more comfortable to wear
– Stronger than conventional acrylic base
Cons of removable partial denture:
- Higher price than acrylic denture
3. Removable partial denture with valplast base: made of nylon thermoplastic which has elastic property
Pros of removable partial denture with valplast base
- Lightweight
- More esthetic, gum-color wire
Cons of removable partial denture with valplast base
- Alteration difficulty
- More expensive than normal acrylic base
- ot suitable for multiple missing teeth due to lack of rigidity
Dentures treatment process
The denture development process takes a few weeks and several appointments. Once your dentist or prosthodontist (a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth) determines what type of appliance is best for you, the general steps are to:
- Make a series of impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them.
- Create models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the denture to be made. You will “try in” this model several times and the denture will be assessed for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.
- Cast a final denture
- Adjustments will be made as necessary
Treatment time:
Partial denture : 3-4 visits (5 – 14 days up to number of teeth replacement required)
Complete denture : 4-5 visits (3-4 weeks)
Are There Alternatives to Dentures?
Yes, dental implants can be used to support cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants.Dental implants may also be used to support dentures, offering more stability. Consult your dentist for advice about implants.