Types of Dentures
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures, also called full dentures, replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch.
They rest on the gums and are removed for cleaning. Their fit and stability depend on the shape of the mouth, saliva, muscle control and denture design.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture replaces some missing teeth while other natural teeth remain.
It may use clasps, attachments, an acrylic base or a metal framework for support. Remaining teeth must continue to be brushed and cleaned carefully.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are prepared before planned tooth extractions and inserted shortly after the teeth are removed.
They reduce the period a patient spends without teeth. However, the gums and jawbone change during healing, so immediate dentures commonly require adjustments, relining or later replacement.
Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures are made after extraction areas and gum tissues have had time to heal.
Waiting for healing may provide a more stable foundation for the final impressions, but treatment takes longer than immediate denture placement.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures connect to dental implants for additional retention or support.
Some implant overdentures remain removable by the patient, while other full-arch restorations are secured and normally removed only by a dental professional.
Implant treatment involves surgery and requires suitable medical health, gums and bone.
Denture Assessment at My City Dental
Your appointment may include:
- Examination of remaining teeth
- Gum-health assessment
- Review of existing dentures
- Bite and jaw evaluation
- Assessment of loose or damaged teeth
- Dental X-rays when required
- Discussion of complete, partial or implant-supported options
- Review of extractions or preliminary treatment
Any active tooth decay, infection or gum disease may need treatment before the final denture is made.
How Are Dentures Made?
1. Examination and Planning
The dentist assesses your mouth, missing teeth, remaining teeth, gums, bite and treatment goals.
2. Preliminary Treatment
Some patients may require:
- Tooth extraction
- Dental fillings
- Gum treatment
- Healing after surgery
- Adjustment of an existing denture
- Dental implant assessment
Not every patient needs all these treatments.
3. Impressions or Digital Records
Physical impressions, digital scans or a combination may be used to record the shape of the mouth and remaining teeth.
4. Bite Measurements
The relationship between the upper and lower jaws is recorded to help determine tooth position, denture height and bite.
5. Trial Denture
A trial setup may be used to review:
- Tooth position
- Appearance
- Speech
- Bite
- General shape
Changes can be discussed before the final denture is produced.
6. Final Placement
At the insertion appointment, the dentist checks:
- Fit
- Retention
- Bite
- Pressure areas
- Appearance
- Speech
- Ease of removal and cleaning
Follow-up adjustments are common, especially with immediate or new complete dentures.
Adjusting to New Dentures
New dentures may initially feel bulky or unfamiliar.
During the adjustment period, you may notice:
- Increased saliva
- Mild gum tenderness
- Changes in speech
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Temporary pressure areas
- Movement while learning to control the denture
Begin with softer foods, cut food into smaller pieces and chew slowly on both sides.
Persistent wounds, severe pain or a denture that repeatedly moves should be assessed. Do not reshape or adjust the appliance yourself.
How to Clean Removable Dentures
Dentures require daily cleaning.
Recommended care includes:
- Remove and rinse the denture after eating.
- Clean it using a denture brush or soft brush.
- Use a denture cleanser or mild soap recommended for the appliance.
- Clean all surfaces, clasps and attachments.
- Rinse thoroughly before wearing it again.
- Clean your gums, tongue and remaining natural teeth.
Avoid:
- Abrasive regular toothpaste
- Boiling or hot water
- Household cleaning chemicals
- Bending clasps
- Scraping with sharp tools
- Repairing the denture with household glue
Removable dentures should generally be taken out overnight and stored according to the dentist’s instructions. The CDA advises against abrasive toothpaste and hot water because these can damage or distort dentures.
Denture Adhesive
Denture adhesive may provide additional retention for selected patients.
It should be used:
- In small amounts
- According to product directions
- On a denture that has been professionally assessed
Adhesive should not be used to hide:
- A badly fitting denture
- A cracked appliance
- Persistent soreness
- Significant movement
- A denture needing a reline
Needing increasing amounts of adhesive may indicate that the fit should be checked.
Denture Adjustments, Repairs and Relines
A denture can become loose as the gums and jaw change.
Denture Adjustment
An adjustment modifies pressure areas or improves the bite.
Denture Repair
Repair may be needed when:
- The denture cracks
- A denture tooth breaks
- A clasp fractures
- An attachment becomes damaged
Denture Reline
A reline adds material to the fitting surface so the denture follows the current shape of the gums more closely.
Denture Replacement
Replacement may be recommended when:
- The denture is badly worn
- The bite has changed
- It repeatedly fractures
- It cannot be adjusted predictably
- It no longer fits the mouth adequately
Do not use household glue on a broken denture.
Benefits of Dentures
Depending on the design and fit, dentures may:
- Replace several or all missing teeth
- Improve chewing selected foods
- Support clearer speech
- Fill visible spaces
- Support the lips and cheeks
- Provide a removable tooth-replacement option
- Be repaired or relined
- Connect to implants for additional retention
Results vary between patients, and an adjustment period is expected.
Limitations of Dentures
Dentures:
- Do not function exactly like natural teeth
- May move during eating or speaking
- Require daily removal and cleaning
- Can cause temporary sore areas
- May affect taste or sensation
- Can fracture or wear
- May require adhesive in selected cases
- Need adjustment as the mouth changes
- May eventually need relining or replacement
- Require continued dental examinations
Implant-supported treatment has separate surgical risks, costs and maintenance requirements.
Dentures Versus Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is fixed in place and generally replaces one or more neighbouring missing teeth.
A partial denture is removable and may replace teeth in several areas of the mouth.
The better option depends on:
- Number and location of missing teeth
- Supporting teeth
- Gum and bone health
- Cost
- Maintenance
- Patient preference
Dentures Versus Dental Implants
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth root or supports a larger restoration.
Implants may provide additional stability but require surgery and suitable bone and gum health.
Conventional dentures avoid implant surgery but rest mainly on the gums and may move more during function.
Neither option is appropriate for every patient.