Your teeth are a gift of nature as they help us pronounce words correctly, help nurture us, and give us our attractive smile. With good oral hygiene, most people will have lost a few teeth, or lost no teeth at all throughout their life. However, the majority of people have lost some or even most of their teeth as they get older not only because of lack of proper oral hygiene, but also due to other reasons such as not going to the dental expert for routine checkups and appointments. And once the teeth have lost, it won’t regrow back. Thanks to modern dentistry people can bring back the looks and function of their lost teeth back by using artificial teeth. This can be bridges, removable or permanent. Dentures are the perfect treatment when a person has lost most of their teeth, and those who have a bad tooth/teeth that need to be extracted. We take pride in offering perfect fitting and lifelike dentures to our esteemed patients.
Types of Dentures
The types of dentures are based on the material used for the base, number of teeth which can be partial or full.
- Partial Denture – If some of the existing teeth are healthy and functional, these won’t be extracted. The Upper arch partial may also be supported on those teeth meaning the denture will be attached to the teeth for support.
- Full Denture – A full set of dentures may be used when all the remaining teeth have been extracted or were already lost. A total of 24 to 28 missing teeth is enough for a full denture. For complete dentures, the top and bottom teeth teeth in the jaw are extracted. In another arrangement called the overdenture, existing teeth are not extracted but grind down to near the gum level.
Learn How to Care for Dentures.
What Different Types of Denture Materials Are Available?
When selecting dentures, there’s another thing to be concerned about and this is the type of material you need to use. Dentures are classified by the material in which the base is made. The teeth are made of acrylic or porcelain. The base depends on what kind of material you prefer, and these are:
- Metallic alloys
- Acrylic (or, plastic)
Metal-base dentures
Also known as metal dentures which are technically incorrect but is a commonly-used name. These types of dentures have metallic metal base and it comes in two types:
- Standard Metal-Based Dentures – The metal base is in direct contact with the gum tissues. The base is made of hypoallergenic and biocompatible medical-grade alloy which won’t cause harm to the gums.
- Modified Metal-Based Denture – The metal base is isolated from the underlying support tissue with a soft or had plastic liner. Soft liners are normally used than hard plastic as it is more comfortable for wear. A drawback of a soft liner is that it needs frequent replacement.
Metal-base Materials
The material used in the base makes a big difference. Each type of material has its pros and cons. When choosing the type of materials, you need to know the factors involved in each particular case.
Merits of Metal-Base Dentures
- It has excellent strength and durability.
- Easy to reline.
- Provides strength particularly in narrow dentures that would otherwise be fragile.
- Sometimes it makes sense for the dentures to be narrow so it won’t disturb the muscle. Metallic dentures can be made narrow.
- Help avoid surgical procedures for repositioning frenum.
- Since it’s light, it provides a more natural feel to the wearer compared to plastic dentures.
- Dimensionally stable compared to plastic bases.
Demerits of Metal-Based Dentures
- Cost – Metal bases costs more than dentures with plastic base.
- Relining – Metal based dentures are more difficult to reline unlike the modified metal-base dentures.
Plastic-base Dentures
Plastic-based dentures are made entirely of plastic (except from the clasp wires or attachment wings at the ends). Dentures are normally rigid, but newer techniques allow the specialist for flexible base dentures.
Merits of plastic dentures
- Cost – These are cheaper to make.
- Easier Steps of Fabrication – They are easier to construct.
- Preferred Choice – If you need immediate dentures, this is the choice to make.
Demerits of plastic dentures
- Fragility – Plastic dentures are fragile.
- Stability – They can shrink and may need to be relined.
- Gum Damage – They can irritate the gum.
- Soaking – When removed, they must be kept in a soaking solution.
Read Which Dentures Are Most Comfortable?
Where to Find A Denture Specialist
A specialist is the one that has knowledge and expertise in a particular field. Therefore, if you need it done right, find one who is experienced in it. Here are some suggestions to where you can find a specialist.
Finding a denture specialist in a certain area is easy. All you have to do is call the American Dental Association as they keep a list of the qualified and certified experts in areas across the country.
- There are qualified orthodontic specialists online. You can easily pick and choose the one that suits you the most. However, this is not the best way to choose a specialist because it requires a lot of research.
- Your current family dental specialist may recommend someone that he or she knows who can handle your situation.
- There are qualified orthodontic specialists online. You can easily pick and choose the one that suits you the most. However, this is not the best way to choose as a specialist because it requires a lot of research.
Check out how much dentures cost without insurance.
Source: Loss of abutment teeth for double crown-retained removable partial dentures compared
