Exploring the Different Types of Dentures
Which denture is best for your smile?

Dentures are great restorative solutions for patients with several or all of their natural teeth missing. These artificial replacement teeth are available in a variety of types - namely four main types, to best accommodate a patient’s unique smile and oral health needs.

In this article, let’s go over the four main types of dentures: complete (or full) dentures, partial (or removable) dentures, fixed bridges (or fixed partial) dentures, and, dental implants:

1. Complete (full) dentures

Complete or full dentures are perfect for patients who have lost all of their natural teeth. This type of denture is generally the final option after all other potential restorative solutions have been deemed ineffective for the patient.

Complete dentures are fully customizable, and capable of providing a very natural-looking result that suits the patient. They also aid in mastication and digestion, meaning the patient can chew up and grind their food normally again just as they would with their natural teeth.

2. Partial (removable) dentures

Consisting of artificial teeth that are attached to a plastic gum-coloured base, partial or removable dentures (RPDs) are ideal for patients who need to replace only some lost teeth - and are commonly recommended for those who aren’t good candidates for an implant-supported bridge.

Removable partial dentures restore the appearance, feel and function of natural teeth, and are built onto a cast metal framework to ensure strength. With these fitted dentures, one or more artificial teeth are held in place via clasps that fit onto surrounding healthy teeth. The patient can easily remove these false teeth by themselves to clean or for removable before bed.

3. Fixed bridge (fixed partial) dentures

With a fixed bridge or fixed partial denture (FPDs, also referred to as implant supported bridges or implant supported dentures), the restoration is permanent and cannot be removed by the patient.

FPDs use a patient’s existing natural teeth as abutments, which are the surrounding teeth that serve as the primary support for the denture. With this denture type, one or several artificial teeth are held between healthy teeth on either sides.

4. Temporary (immediate) dentures

Immediate or temporary dentures are removable dentures that are placed in a patient’s mouth directly after the natural teeth are removed. The reason these temporary dentures must be worn in the meantime is because the mouth requires an adjustment period before receiving the permanent dentures.

5. Dental implants

Dental implants are used to support artificial teeth, or to support a fixed bridge/ partial denture. It’s important that a patient has healthy gums and bone in order to provide sufficient support for the implant, as implants are surgically placed into the jaw and permanently fuse with the bone over time to provide a potentially life-long restorative result provided the patient takes proper care.

Properly caring for your dentures

To adequately look after your dentures and ensure they stay in top-shape for years to come, it’s important to take the following steps daily:

1. Clean dentures thoroughly, just as you would with natural teeth - as without doing so, plaque and tartar can easily build up on their surfaces.

2. Remove them each night before bed. Brush the teeth and gums gently and carefully using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Clean and massage the gums as well, and if you experience any discomfort doing so with a warm wet toothbrush, you can try using your finger wrapped in a clean and damp cloth.

3. Soak your dentures over night using a special denture cleanser, in warm water, or in a 1:1 ratio mixture of warm water and vinegar. If your denture contains metal clasps, only use warm water for soaking.

Caring for dental implants

On the other hand, when it comes to caring for dental implants, be sure to brush and floss every day, just like you would with your natural teeth, but do so extra carefully. Ensure that you are stroking the toothbrush bristles gently against each and every side of the dental implant, and be gentle with the floss where the implant meets the gum.

Whether we have fully natural smiles or have had restorations along the way, our mouths are constantly in a state of change. This is why it’s important to visit the dentist regularly, especially if you have had any denture or restorative work, to determine whether any adjustments are needed for the best fit and to ensure that there are no dental issues brewing that could put your smile or restoration at risk.

Your free dentures consultation at a Teeth First Dental Network clinic awaits!

Ready to restore your smile with dentures or dental implants? Schedule your free consultation at your nearest Teeth First clinic in Ontario today.