What are dentures? Types, care and more.

Aug. 13, 2024

What are dentures?

Dentures are artificial gums and teeth to replace missing natural teeth. These can replace all of your teeth (full dentures) or some of your teeth (partial dentures) and can be removable or permanent. Dentures are crafted specifically for you using materials such as acrylic, resin, nylon, metal or porcelain. There are four types of main dentures: full, partial, snap-ins and permanent.

When to consider dentures

Consider dentures if you have missing teeth or teeth with significant damage. In the case of missing teeth, getting dentures could have a significant impact on oral health and mental health. Consult your dentist about dentures if you have chronic tooth aches or loose or missing teeth.

The four main types of dentures

Full Dentures

Full dentures are what are considered to be “traditional” dentures. These can also be referred to as complete dentures. Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth, like a full upper denture or full lower denture. When receiving full dentures, the teeth are either already missing, or will be removed to fit the appliance. Full dentures rest on top of your gum and rely on the roof of your mouth (or lower jaw in the case of a lower,) for support. These types of dentures often require denture adhesive to stay in place.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are our bread and butter here at ResetSmile. Partial dentures are exactly what they sound like: dentures that replace missing teeth when a full denture is not required. If you’re missing several teeth, this is likely a great option. Partial dentures rely on your remaining teeth and gums for support. Partial dentures typically have clasps that go around your natural teeth to provide retention and stability. Similar to full dentures, these are taken out at night for cleaning, brushing and flossing. Partial dentures typically last for up to five years.

Implant Supported Dentures (Snap-In Dentures)

Snap-in dentures are another name for implant-retained dentures. These dentures are a middle ground between full dentures and implants. Snap-ins attach to dental implants that surgeons place in your jawbone but can be removed. Similar to traditional dentures, implant-retained dentures are removed at night. Snap-ins provide more stability than traditional dentures because they “snap on” to the implants.

Permanent Dentures

Implant supported dentures are the most permanent dentures. Rather than using an adhesive and relying on your gums for support like full dentures, implant supported dentures attach to dental implants. Dental implants are small screws that surgeons place in your jawbone to replicate roots of your missing teeth. Given the nature of these dentures, it is recommended only for those who do not want removable dentures.

What Denture is Right for You?

In order to evaluate what type of dentures are right for you, there are several questions that need to be answered. First, how many teeth need to be replaced? If a full upper is required, either a full denture or implant supported denture could be right for you. If you are looking to replace a few teeth, a partial denture is a great option. The second question to ask yourself is how permanent do you want your dentures to be? Would you like to be able to remove them yourself? If so, a full or partial could be right for you. To find out if ResetSmile’s partial dentures are right for you, get started here.

FAQs

What is the difference between partial dentures and dental implants?

In short, partial dentures canbe removed and implants cannot. Partial dentures are designed to be removable pieces.

How to get fit for dentures?

Getting properly fitted for dentures is a key step in making your dentures as comfortable as possible. Traditional dentures often feel uncomfortable and have difficulty staying in place, and can give you the appearance of puffy lips or cheeks, or even cause pain if they are too large. ResetSmile solves many of the common problems of traditional dentures and has a very simple impression process to make your partial dentures as comfortable as possible.

How do you eat with dentures?

While eating with a full set of dentures can have its difficulties, this is not an issue for ResetSmile’s partial dentures. Our partial denture is a dentist grade device that is designed to help you eat normally!

What are dentures made from?

Dentures are made from varying materials. ResetSmile’s partial dentures are made from Valplast, which is a tried and true material dentists have used for many years. Valplast is a nylon resin that is considered the gold standard for removable partial dentures due to its flexibility and durability.

What are the cons of denture implants?

Dental implants usually consist of an implant that screws into your bone. Given the nature of dental implants, they are far more expensive, more invasive and can require additional complex treatment in the future. Dental implants also take longer to complete. While partial dentures can be delivered to your door in under a month, dental implants can take a minimum of ten weeks after dental extraction.

What are the best partial dentures to get?

ResetSmile’s partial dentures are, in our opinion, the best and most affordable option for partial dentures. To hear reviews from our customers, check our testimonials page.