Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

Dentures (artificial teeth) are synthetic replacements for missing natural teeth. Tooth decay, gum disease, facial injuries, and aging can lead to tooth loss.

Dentures are designed to help fill out your facial profile and improve your appearance. They also make it easier to eat, chew, and speak regularly.

Some dentures replace a few missing teeth. Others replace all teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues.

Dentures cost between $650 and $4,000. Most full dental crown cost insurance policies cover up to 50 percent of the cost of dentures. 

Types of Dentures

There are many different types of dentures available. They come in removable and fixed forms. The best type for you depends on your oral health status and lifestyle.

complete denture NewMouth

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are also called full dentures. They’re replacements for entire sets of teeth.

Most dentists will try to save at least some natural teeth before recommending full dentures. But complete dentures are usually necessary if all other options have been exhausted.

Dentures are made of acrylic resin and are only supported by remaining hard and soft tissues. They are not as stable as natural teeth or implants, which are anchored into the bone.

Many people also develop speech impediments with complete dentures. This is due to the thickness of the material covering the palate and neuromuscular control of the tongue and cheeks with the new prosthesis. The acrylic cannot be thinned significantly, as this will cause fractures over time.

Pros

  • Restores eating and chewing
  • Improves self-esteem and confidence
  • Maintains a fuller, more youthful appearance
  • Cost-effective

Cons

  • Requires maintenance like relines and repairs
  • Retention of lower dentures declines over time
  • Can slip out of place when speaking or eating
  • A lisp may develop
implant supported bridge NewMouth

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures (RPD) only replace some missing teeth in your upper or lower jaw. RPDs can be removed at any time and replaced easily. They can restore the natural look, feel, and function of teeth.

They consist of false teeth and a gum-colored base made of acrylic. The base is attached to two or more clasps that hold the denture in place. Clasps are made of either metal or flexible pink plastic and hook onto the adjacent teeth for increased support.You can also visit denture clinic geelong for great services.

They are commonly recommended for people who aren’t good candidates for an implant-supported bridge. This includes people who can’t undergo surgery.

Pros

  • Durable due to the underlying metal framework
  • Easily removable for cleaning
  • Don’t break easily
  • Cost-effective
  • Maintain the structural integrity of your mouth (prevent teeth shifting)

Cons

  • Can only be used to replace some missing teeth
  • Prone to plaque buildup if not cleaned properly

Fixed Partial Dentures (Implant-Supported Bridge)

Fixed partial dentures (FPD) are also called implant-supported bridges. FPDs replace a few missing teeth in a row with two dental implants and a prosthetic tooth or teeth in between. They are permanently glued or screwed into the mouth.

Implant-supported bridges are ideal for patients who have three or more missing teeth in a row. Unlike complete and removable partial false teeth, implant-supported bridges are not removable.

Pros

  • Improved aesthetics
  • Patients typically feel more secure with fixed (permanent) dentures
  • Stronger than removable false teeth
  • Consistent tooth positioning and better bite

Cons

  • Requires surgery
  • Cost is higher than removable dentures
  • More difficult to keep clean (requires special floss)
removable partial denture NewMouth

Full dentures

Full dentures, or complete dentures, consist of both upper and lower sets and are removable devices that can be used to replace missing teeth. The denture teeth are made out of porcelain or acrylic and are held together by an acrylic or metal base. Full dentures may be needed when you lose all of your teeth and they can help fill out your appearance again, leaving you feeling more confident to smile.