Losing teeth can be a bit of a bummer, can’t it? It can make eating your favourite foods tricky, affect the way you speak, and even make you feel a bit self-conscious about your smile. But the good news is, you don’t have to live with gaps in your grin! That’s where dentures come in. They’re a fantastic way to replace missing teeth and help you get back to feeling confident and comfortable with different types of dentures according to your need.
In this blog, we’re going to have a good yarn about all things dentures. We’ll explore the different types available, help you figure out which might be best for you, and even give you some handy tips on looking after them.
What Are Dentures?
Alright, let’s start with the basics. What exactly are dentures?
Think of dentures as custom-made replacements for your missing teeth and the gum tissue that supports them. They’re usually made from a strong, lifelike material like acrylic resin, and sometimes metal. They’re designed to fit snugly in your mouth, giving you back your ability to chew, speak clearly, and flash a beautiful smile.
They’re not like your natural teeth, of course – they’re removable. You take them out for cleaning and usually overnight. But don’t worry, when they’re in, they’re designed to feel secure and comfortable.
Different Types of Dentures
Now, this is where it gets interesting! There isn’t just one type of denture. Dentists offer a few different options, each with its own advantages. Let’s take a squiz at the main ones:
1. Full Dentures (Complete Dentures)
If you’ve lost all your natural teeth in either your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, then full dentures are likely what your dentist will talk about.
- How they work: Full dentures sit directly on your gums. The upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, creating suction to hold it in place. The lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to allow room for your tongue and relies on a combination of suction, gravity, and the muscles in your cheeks and tongue to stay put.
- When you get them: Sometimes, full dentures are made after any remaining teeth are removed and your gums have had time to heal (this is called a “conventional” denture). Other times, an “immediate” denture can be placed right after extractions, so you’re never without teeth. Our dentist at Majestic Smiles will discuss the best timing with you.
2. Partial Dentures
What if you’ve only lost a few teeth and still have some healthy, natural teeth left? That’s where partial dentures come in handy!
- How they work: Partial dentures fill the gaps left by missing teeth. They have a framework (often made of metal or a flexible material) that attaches to your remaining natural teeth with clasps. This keeps them secure and stops your other teeth from shifting into the empty spaces.
- Benefits: They’re a great way to improve your chewing ability and the appearance of your smile without needing to replace all your teeth.
3. Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdentures)
These are a fantastic option if you’re looking for something extra secure and stable. Implant-supported dentures combine the benefits of dentures with dental implants.
- How they work: Small titanium posts (the implants) are surgically placed into your jawbone. These implants act like artificial tooth roots. Once they’ve healed and integrated with your bone, the denture can be attached to them. This can be done in a couple of ways:
- Removable (Locator/Ball Attachment): The denture can still be taken out for cleaning, but it “snaps” onto the implants, providing much better stability than traditional dentures.
- Fixed (All-on-4/Fixed Bridge): In some cases, a denture can be permanently screwed onto a few implants, meaning you don’t take it out at all. This option feels like having natural teeth.
- Benefits: They offer significantly improved stability, chewing power, and comfort compared to traditional dentures. They also help to preserve your jawbone, which can shrink over time when teeth are missing.
4. Flexible Dentures
Flexible dentures are a newer option and are becoming quite popular, especially for partial dentures.
- How they work: Unlike traditional partials which often have a metal framework, flexible dentures are made from a thermoplastic material that is very thin, lightweight, and, as the name suggests, flexible! They blend in well with your natural gum colour.
- Benefits: They are often more comfortable than traditional partials because they don’t have rigid metal clasps. They can be a good choice for people who are allergic to certain metals or who want a more aesthetically pleasing option.
How to Choose the Right Type of Denture
Deciding on the best type of denture isn’t something you have to do alone! Your dentist, perhaps a friendly dentist Lower Plenty like Majestic Smiles, will be your best guide. They’ll consider several things:
- How many teeth you’re missing: This is a big one. All teeth gone means full dentures; a few gaps means partials.
- The health of your remaining teeth and gums: Your dentist will check for any underlying issues that need to be addressed first.
- The condition of your jawbone: If your jawbone has shrunk significantly, it may compromise the stability of traditional dentures, making implant-supported options more appealing.
- Your overall health: Some medical conditions might influence which options are safest and most suitable for you.
- Your lifestyle and preferences: Do you want something removable or fixed? How important is maximum chewing power to you?
- Your budget: Different types of dentures have different costs, and your dentist can discuss payment options with you.
Don’t be shy about asking lots of questions and discussing your concerns with your dentist. They’re there to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Type
Let’s quickly sum up the pros and cons of each type so you can get a clearer picture:
Full Dentures
- Benefits: Cost-effective way to replace all missing teeth, improve appearance and chewing.
- Drawbacks: Can take some getting used to, may feel less stable than natural teeth, can affect taste and speech initially, and can cause bone shrinkage over time.
Partial Dentures
- Benefits: Fill gaps, prevent other teeth from shifting, improve chewing and aesthetics, and are generally less expensive than implants.
- Drawbacks: Can put some strain on existing teeth, may feel less stable than natural teeth, and can accumulate food particles.
Implant-Supported Dentures
- Benefits: Excellent stability, improved chewing power, feel more like natural teeth, help preserve jawbone, increased comfort and confidence.
- Drawbacks: Higher initial cost, requires surgery, healing time, not suitable for everyone (e.g., those with insufficient bone).
Flexible Dentures
- Benefits: Comfortable, lightweight, aesthetically pleasing (no metal clasps), good for metal allergies.
- Drawbacks: Can be more expensive than traditional partials, not as rigid as metal frameworks, and may not be suitable for all situations.
How Dentures Are Fitted and Adjusted
Getting your new dentures is a process, but your dentist will guide you every step of the way. Here’s a general idea of how it works:
- Impressions: Your dentist will take precise moulds (impressions) of your mouth.
- Trial Fittings: Wax models of your dentures will be made. You’ll try these in to check the fit, bite, and appearance. Adjustments can be made at this stage.
- Final Denture Delivery: Once you and your dentist are happy, the final dentures are made and fitted.
- Adjustments: It’s completely normal to need a few adjustments after you first get your dentures. Your mouth needs to get used to them, and sore spots can develop. Don’t hesitate to go back to your dentist for these adjustments – they’re really important for comfort.
Caring for Your Dentures
Looking after your dentures is crucial to keep them clean, hygienic, and long-lasting, and to keep your mouth healthy.
- Clean them daily: Just like natural teeth, dentures can collect plaque and food particles. Brush them daily with a soft-bristled brush and a special denture cleaner (not regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive).
- Rinse after eating: A quick rinse under the tap after meals helps remove loose food.
- Handle with care: Dentures can break if dropped. Always hold them over a towel or a basin of water when handling them.
- Soak overnight: Most dentures should be soaked overnight in a special denture cleansing solution or water. This keeps them moist and helps remove bacteria. Always follow your dentist’s recommendations.
- Clean your mouth: Even if you have full dentures, it’s important to gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush every day. This stimulates circulation and removes plaque.
- Regular dental check-ups: See your dentist regularly (at least once a year). They’ll check the fit of your dentures, examine your gums for any issues, and clean your dentures thoroughly.
When to Replace Your Dentures
Dentures aren’t a “set and forget” solution. Over time, your mouth changes – your jawbone can shrink, and your gums can recede. This means your dentures might start to feel loose, uncomfortable, or not fit as well as they used to.
Signs it might be time for new dentures or a reline (where your dentist refits the base of your existing denture) include:
- They feel loose or slip when you talk or eat.
- You’re having trouble chewing.
- Your face appears to have “sunk in”, or you have more wrinkles around your mouth.
- You have constant sore spots.
- Your dentures are visibly worn, chipped, or cracked.
Your dentist will be able to tell you when it’s time for an update.
Alternative Options to Dentures
While dentures are a fantastic solution for many, it’s worth knowing there are other options for replacing missing teeth:
- Dental Bridges: These are fixed replacements for one or a few missing teeth. They’re usually anchored to your natural teeth on either side of the gap.
- Dental Implants: As we touched on with implant-supported dentures, single dental implants can be used to replace individual missing teeth. A titanium post is placed in the jawbone, and a crown is then fitted on top, acting like a natural tooth. They’re the closest you can get to natural teeth in terms of feel and function.
Our dentist at Majestic Smiles will discuss all suitable options with you, depending on your situation.
Conclusion
So there you have it! A comprehensive look at the different types of dentures available. From full dentures to flexible options and the super-stable implant-supported variety, there’s a solution out there for almost everyone who’s missing teeth.
Choosing the best option for your smile is a personal journey, and it’s one you take with your trusted dental professional. They’ll consider your unique needs, your oral health, and your lifestyle to recommend the best fit. With the proper care and regular check-ups, dentures can truly transform your smile, your ability to eat, and your confidence.
Ready to Chat About Your Smile?
If you’re considering dentures or want to explore your options for replacing missing teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out!
A friendly dentist at Majestic Smiles Lower Plenty would be happy to have a chat, answer all your questions, and help you find the best solution for your unique needs. Give us a call today and take the first step towards a brighter, more confident smile!
Dr Shaw is a dedicated dentist in Lower Plenty who values building meaningful relationships with his patients. With a background in dental implantology from Charles Sturt University, he emphasises lifelong oral health. Dr Shaw enjoys sharing his expertise through community volunteering and educational presentations, promoting strong, healthy smiles.
