Dentures or false teeth are prostheses used to replace lost or missing natural teeth due to tooth decay or other health conditions. They are made by the dentist to comfortably fit according to the patient’s jaw size and shape. Different Types of Dentures Available Are the Following: Complete Dentures Complete dentures, also known as full dentures, are dental prostheses designed to replace all of the missing natural teeth (completely edentulous patient) in one or both arches, be it upper or lower. Complete dentures are made up of an acrylic base material designed to replicate the color of the patient's gums. To this are attached artificial porcelain or metal teeth. These dentures are placed in the mouth with the help of oral adhesive or sealants. Generally, it takes about two to four months to be ready for placement after tooth extraction or loss. Complete Dentures Can Be Either Conventional or Immediate: Conventional: The conventional dentures are ready to be placed on the patient’s gums after about three to four months, which is required for the gum’s healing period. Immediate: As the name suggests, immediate dentures can be ‘immediately’ placed in the patient’s mouth after tooth extraction. Conventional dentures are preferred over immediate ones. After removing teeth, the alveolar bone and gums shrink and heal, so immediate dentures need to be repeatedly refined and reshaped. On the other hand, conventional dentures are placed in the oral cavity after the gums have fully healed, so no adjustments are required. Immediate dentures are a temporary solution, while traditional dentures are a more permanent one. However, immediate dentures are aesthetically promising as they don’t let the patient remain toothless during the healing period. Both the elderly and younger patients can avail complete dentures. Where the elderly do so to correct their bite and ease the mastication process, while the younger patients opt for them for either aesthetic concerns or tooth loss due to any trauma or injury.

Partial Dentures Partial dentures are made for patients who are missing some of their permanent teeth in a specific arch (upper or lower). Partial dentures are made up of different materials depending on the patient’s requirements and tooth morphology. It consists of an acrylic base plate or cast shaped so they provide support for the replacement tooth or pontic tooth. They can also be attached to the adjacent teeth with the help of metal clasps or clips. Partial Dentures Are of Two Types: Fixed Partial Dentures Fixed partial dentures are used for replacing one or more teeth in a row. This is done by placing custom-made crowns on the teeth surrounding the space and then placing the replacement tooth between them. This is done by using dental cement and permanently ‘fixing’ them on their position. Thus, the patient is unable to remove them at will. Removable Partial Dentures Removable partial dentures are used to replace a significant amount of lost natural teeth. They are made onto a plastic, gum-colored base that can be easily placed in the mouth, and the patient can remove them at any time. The only advantage that they have over fixed dentures is that the removable variety is more cost-effective. Benefits of Getting Partial Dentures: The plastic base is attached to a metal framework that provides a stronger and sturdy option. Dental cement is used to ensure that the dentures can withstand the biting forces. Another critical point is that they prevent the surrounding tooth from changing positions. Permanent Dentures Permanent dentures are usually preferred as they provide a more permanent solution. These include the fixed variety of partial dentures that involve the placement of an artificial tooth root to which the entire denture is securely placed. As a result, they provide a sturdier feeling in your mouth which boosts the patient's self-confidence. All-on-4 & All-on-6 Dentures All-on-4 dentures, otherwise known as snap-in dentures, are used to replace a specific amount of missing teeth by placing four dental implants in the jaw. It helps to retain the strength and integrity of the alveolar bone and mimics the function of the permanent teeth. All-on-6 dentures are used to replace a few missing teeth by placing six dental implants in the jawbone. It can fix both removable and fixed varieties of dentures. Characteristics of the Snap-in Dentures: *Snap-in dentures use implants that attach them to the surrounding tooth crowns. *They can snap in and out of the mouth and can be of a removable variety. *They are usually recommended to elderly patients because they are most likely to lose all their teeth as they age. *Snap-in dentures provide a sturdier bite and are more natural-looking than other dentures. *Lastly, these dentures save the patient from getting an implant of every missing tooth.

Pros and Cons of Getting Dentures Advances in dentistry have fixed many problems by using dentures, and there are many reasons that we should consider them. But like everything else, they also come with some shortcomings: Pros of Getting Dentures *Dentures are used for aesthetic concerns to provide them with a better smile and boost their self-esteem. *Dentures are less costly and require no surgical procedures, unlike other available options. *Dentures support the facial muscles, lips, and cheeks, and do not let them sag. *Dentures help improve chewing and speech. *Maintenance of your dentures is relatively easy. Cons of Getting Dentures *With time, dentures show signs of wear, so for this reason, they need to be relined and replaced. *Getting dentures can be relatively long, including the extraction of decayed or damaged teeth, healing of gums, taking impressions, and fitting of the final dentures. *Dentures cover most of the palate and may affect the taste of food. *Dentures may become loose and produce clicking noises, they may move around and lead to soreness of gums or palate. *Dentures stomatitis and ulceration of the mouth are some of the complications that arise as a result. In summary, dentures are prosthetic appliances used to replace all or a few missing permanent teeth in the upper, lower, or both arches. They include complete and partial dentures. Both elderly and younger patients are candidates for this procedure. Dentures are cleaned regularly, just like any other permanent teeth would have been. FAQs How long do the dentures last? Typically, dentures last for about five to eight years maximum. When a person ages, the dentures need to be reshaped and realigned to fit the changing shape of the oral cavity. What are dentures made up of? Dentures are made up of acrylic or any other base plate material to which are attached artificial acrylic, porcelain, or metal teeth. Additionally, in partial dentures, metal clasps and clips are used to hold the tooth in place.