Dentures, also known as false teeth, are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth; they are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable (removable partial denture or complete denture). However, there are many denture designs, some which rely on bonding or clasping onto teeth or dental implants (fixed prosthodontics). There are two main categories of dentures, the distinction being whether they are used to replace missing teeth on the mandibular arch or on the maxillary arch.
Complete dentures replace all of a patient's teeth. They sit on top of the gums, as opposed to dental bridges that are anchored to existing teeth. Complete dentures are typically placed within 8-12 weeks after the teeth have been removed/extracted.
Partial dentures are used when a patient still has some of his or her natural teeth, such as when one or more teeth remain in the upper and lower jaw. There is a pink-colored base that is attached to a metal piece. These two pieces hold the denture in the mouth. They are convenient and removable, which means you can take them out whenever you need to. Partials help to prevent the other teeth from moving, and are made from all-acrylic or acrylic material.
Custom dentures are made of more expensive teeth, which results in a more natural-looking smile. You can actually see the new denture before it is completed. The denture is customized for your smile so it is natural looking and suits your needs.
Immediate dentures are typically placed on the same day that the teeth are removed/extracted. You have to be a good candidate for this type of denture, though.
With implant supported dentures, a dental implant is used to securely support the denture. The denture provides a great amount of support for a solid foundation, which allows the denture to stay securely in place. The dental implant also looks natural and will last long, too.
Snap-in dentures are the most effective choice when it comes to stability. They are held securely in place with the help of dental implants or anchors onto the existing teeth. What makes them unique is the locator attachments embedded within the tissue side of the denture. The locator attachments snap onto the implants or onto the locator receptors. This means they are convenient and removable (like partial dentures). Snap-in dentures are usually used when a patient doesn't have any teeth, but still enough bone to support an implant.
An overdenture sits on top of the gums and is held in place with dental implants. It can be placed on the upper and/or the lower jaw, depending on the patient's needs. The overdenture is also removable.
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