What You Should Know About the Different Types of Dentures

Dentures, a common apparatus used as a replacement for missing teeth or any associated loss of functionality, come in different types selected based on the needs of an individual. You may require a complete or partial set of dentures or another replacement such as an implant or a bridge. As all of the options listed above have different associated costs, functions, and appearances, it is important to know which type of denture is appropriate for your needs before making a decision.

Options for replacing missing teeth

The costs associated with each type of tooth replacement vary on location and the specific type of denture one requires. Complete dentures replace an entire set of teeth, whether that be the entire lower jaw, upper jaw, or entire mouth. Partial dentures are best for replacing a few missing teeth and will not be the same as a full denture replacement. Also, partial dentures may be more affordable than a bridge. A dental bridge is one false tooth, or as many as three false teeth, that we anchor to neighboring natural teeth.

Lastly, a more permanent solution is an implant - a prosthetic tooth that we attach to the jaw with a metal anchor and place in the jaw bone. Higher quality dentures will cost more than lower quality ones and a complete set may cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. However, dentures are still more affordable than dental implants or bridges.

Finding the right functionality

In addition to the cost of the replacement, it is important to consider the function of each type of denture. The ease of speaking, eating, and the comfort and fit of each type of denture may vary. Custom complete dentures may require some practice eating and speak as one becomes accustomed to the denture. It is important to start slowly with soft foods and increase in difficulty with time. Patients may find that speaking is also difficult at first, but with practice, this should become easier. The comfort of dentures will also increase over time.

It is important to visit us early and often when wearing new dentures so that they can be realigned to increase comfort. Additionally, it may be necessary to wear dentures overnight to identify which areas of the mouth are most irritated. Properly cleaning dentures is another important aspect of functionality, but remains the same for both partial and complete dentures. When not worn, they should be kept in a container of water or denture cleaner. Further, they should be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush.

One of the major advantages of complete or partial dentures is their appearance. Dentures can often be visibly indistinguishable from natural teeth. As the majority of our patients are concerned with the appearance of tooth loss, restored confidence is often a large benefit of either partial or complete denture as they spare people from this situation. If this is you, make sure that you properly research different types of dentures before making a decision about which type would be best. We can help you with this decision process.