What are the three types of dentures?

three types of dentures

Dentures have become a common way to hide your missing teeth. Be it full replacement of teeth or partial, we have all types of dentures available at Dr. Gary Login to satisfy your needs. There are around 90% of people in the United States who wear dentures to fulfill the needs of their natural teeth. So, what are the three types of dentures? And how do you decide which one to choose from? Let us try to answer these questions in the blog.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are effective, natural-looking alternative for your missing teeth. These artificial teeth help you speak and chew food normally, like you do with your natural teeth. 

An experienced dental professional like Dr. Gary Login and his team in Brookline can help you determine the type of dentures you need. They are experts in helping you restore the normal function of your teeth even after losing them.

what are dentures?

Factors Influencing the Type of Dentures You Need

The need for the right type of dentures depends on the following:

  • The number of missing teeth
  • Overall health
  • Location of your natural teeth
  • Age 
  • Lifestyle
  • Gum health

Three Types of Dentures

The 3 types of dentures are explained below:

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are a good way to replace the missing teeth if you already have some natural teeth left to support them. These dentures use the remaining teeth to hold the dentures in the right place. These dentures help restore the normal appearance and function of your mouth. They prevent the remaining teeth from moving into the gaps caused by the missing teeth. These false teeth match the color and shape of your natural teeth to create a natural look. Partial dentures have a metal framework attached to them to fit around the natural teeth. But there is a catch: your gums and natural teeth should be healthy enough to support partial dentures. For eligible candidates, it is a non-surgical and cost-effective way to replace the missing teeth.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are also known as Complete dentures. They need a full arch of porcelain or acrylic artificial teeth held by a metal or acrylic base. Full dentures can replace the entire lower and upper set of missing teeth. An upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, called the palate, and creates a suction effect that helps keep the denture in place. At the same time, the lower denture fits over the gum ridge to provide space for the tongue.

Full dentures are customized according to your mouth structure to avoid unnecessary slipping or a missed fit of dentures. It also prevents food particles from accumulating under the denture and causing discomfort. You can use denture powder or gel to work like an adhesive and prevent the slipping and shifting of dentures.

Implant Supported Dentures

implant supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures offer a more permanent solution than full or partial dentures. These dentures cannot be removed without professional help. These dentures include crowns that snap onto four titanium dental implants, metal screws that are placed into the upper or lower gum line. Then, after a wait of three to four months, the bone grows and fuses the post to the jaw. The implant-supported dentures work like your missing tooth roots. They provide natural stimulation to keep your jawbone healthy and in place.

One benefit of getting implant-supported dentures is that they do not move from their place. This provides a more comfortable and stable fit than the other two dentures. 

It is important to have a healthy jawbone to be an ideal candidate, or you will require bone grafting to provide support.

A Comprehensive Comparison of Three Types Of Dentures

Feature/Type of Denture

Partial Dentures

Full Dentures

Implant-Supported Dentures

Purpose

Replace some missing teeth

Replace all missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw

Replace all or some missing teeth with enhanced stability

Fit

Attaches to remaining natural teeth

Fits over gums, the upper covers the palate, lower shaped like a horseshoe

Anchored to dental implants in the jawbone

Stability

Moderate stability can be removable

Moderate stability can be removable

High stability means less movement

Material

Acrylic base with metal clasps or framework

The acrylic base can have a resin or metal base

Acrylic or porcelain teeth attached to implants

Comfort

Generally comfortable, may feel bulkier

Generally comfortable, may require adjustments

Feels more like natural teeth, highly comfortable

Durability

Moderately durable, needs periodic adjustments

Durable but may need relining or replacement over time

Highly durable, long-lasting with proper care

Jawbone Health

Does not prevent jawbone loss

Does not prevent jawbone loss

Prevents jawbone loss by stimulating the bone

Aesthetic Appearance

Natural-looking, fills in gaps

Improves facial aesthetics by providing a full set of teeth

Most natural appearance, similar to natural teeth

Cost

Lower cost compared to other types

Moderate cost

Higher cost due to surgical procedures and implants

Maintenance

Easy to remove for cleaning

Easy to remove for cleaning

Requires good oral hygiene, professional cleaning

Adjustment Period

Short adjustment period

Short adjustment period

Longer adjustment period due to surgical process

Eligibility

Suitable for individuals with some natural teeth remaining

Suitable for individuals with all teeth missing

Suitable for individuals with sufficient jawbone density

Conclusion

All three types of dentures provide you with a solution to replace your missing teeth. Each type has a unique benefit and caters to different situations, be it replacing a few missing teeth or restoring a full set of teeth with improved stability. A dental professional like Dr. Gary Login can help you figure out the most suitable option to achieve a confident, functional, and natural-looking smile.

If you are considering getting dentures and need expert advice, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gary login on Harvard Street in Brookline, MA. New patients can call us at (617) 982-2980, while all other callers can reach out to us at (617) 277-0807. Take the first step to restore your precious smile and improve the quality of your life today!

FAQ

How do full dentures differ from partial dentures?

Full dentures replace all missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures only replace some teeth and are anchored to existing natural teeth.

Implant-supported dentures offer stability and comfort, prevent jawbone loss, and provide a more natural look and feel compared to traditional dentures.

If you are looking for a more stable option then, implant-supported dentures are the right choice for you.

If you are looking for a dentist in Brookline, MA, schedule your consultation with the team at Brookline Smile Artists. We offer Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry. We are located at 209 Harvard Street, Suite 402 in Brookline. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

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Medically Reviewed By
Gary R. Login, ABOI/ID

One of the top rated dentists in Brookline, MA

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