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6 Types of Dentures

6 Types of Dentures

October 14, 2021

It is important to replace them when you lose teeth due to dental trauma, tooth decay, natural ageing, or gum disease. Dentures which are also known as false teeth, are synthetic replacements for missing teeth. They may be designed to replace a few missing teeth or all teeth and their surrounding tissues.

Dentures in Toronto, ON, are customized to restore the shape and look of your natural teeth. They are well fitted to improve speech, eating capabilities and facial appearance. Denture teeth must be cleaned daily using specific cleaning solutions suitable for each type of denture to keep away bacteria that may cause gum disease.

Various Types of Dentures

Dentures are designed based on whether or not the patient has any remaining natural teeth, their oral health status and lifestyle.

  1. Complete Dentures or Full Dentures

These are removable replacements for patients who want an entire upper or lower set of teeth replaced. They help individuals who have lost all their teeth maintain their appearance and restore the teeth’s functions. Complete dentures are made out of porcelain or acrylic. They rest on the gum tissue and are kept in place by suction or dental adhesives.

  1. Partial Removable

Partial removable dentures are designed to replace some missing teeth for patients who prefer to remove them at will. The replacement teeth are attached to a gum-coloured plastic base and built onto a cast metal framework for strength.

Partial dentures for front teeth are made of teeth-coloured material and look like your natural teeth.

There are two types of removable partial dentures:

  • Acrylic partial dentures. These are also known as flipper teeth and are made of acrylic resin to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. A flipper tooth has no clasps and relies on the patient’s gum for complete support.
  • Cast partial dentures. These dentures are suitable for patients with one or more remaining teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They consist of tissue-coloured acrylic ‘gums,’ replacement teeth and a metal framework to hold all the materials together.
  1. Over-Dentures or Implant-Retained Dentures

Over-dentures are not permanently attached to dental implants but click into place and latch onto the metal posts. These dentures provide a well-functioning set of comfortable, natural-looking teeth that are durable. They come in two types:

  • Bar attachment. This is a bar-shaped implant that supports a full set of artificial teeth in your lower jaw.
  • Locator-attached or Ball attachment. These replace permanent lower teeth.
  1. Immediate or Same-Day

When one or several teeth have been extracted, the patient must wait for 6-8 weeks before the traditional denture is placed. Same-day dentures are suitable for individuals who want their teeth extracted and dentures installed on the same day.

There are two types of immediate dentures in Dentures in Toronto, ON:

  • Conventional. These are removable false teeth created for instant use after the natural tooth has been extracted. They are made from the same materials as traditional dentures.
  • Interim. They are temporary removable artificial teeth made to briefly improve aesthetics, appearance, and oral function before definitive dentures are placed. Interim immediate dentures are made from a lighter material.
  1. Fixed Partial Dentures or Implant-Supported Bridge

These dentures use the existing surrounding teeth for support to replace a few missing teeth in a row with two dental implants. They are permanent dentures and therefore feel more secure and stronger than removable dentures.

  1. Snap-In or Snap-On

They are removable dentures held in place by dental implants. The implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone then the dentures are snapped on them.

Procedure for Getting Dentures

When you go for dentures at a denture clinic, here is what to expect.

The dentist will carry out a comprehensive exam that includes x-rays to ensure that your gums and soft tissues are healthy and ready for the denture teeth. Additional procedures such as teeth extraction or dental implant surgery may be carried out if necessary.

A cast of the upper and lower gums is made to assist in fabricating your new dentures. Details of the shape, size and colour of the new teeth are discussed. Your dentist will make a denture with an ideal fit by ensuring a correct alignment between the upper and lower teeth.

You will then have your brand new dentures installed and provided with the instructions for taking care of your prosthetics.

Book an appointment with us at Arlington Dental for dentures that are accurately fabricated and customized. We also offer other comprehensive dental services, including dental cleaning, LED teeth whitening, preventative services, orthodontic services, and endodontic services.