Types of Dentures & What May Be Best For You

Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for centuries. And though today’s dentures are much more advanced than false teeth made of wood, ivory, or other materials, they’re still used for the same thing. Dentures are a great way to restore your smile, your bite, and your self-confidence.

But what types of dentures are available at Mestichelli Barnes Dental Associates? Let’s take a look at the 3 most common options you can choose from when replacing one or more missing teeth.

1. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are meant to replace one tooth or several missing teeth. They consist of a plastic and metal framework that supports one or more false teeth. The denture is placed into your mouth, and then snaps onto metal clips attached to your healthy teeth. These hold it in place, and keep it from moving and shifting.

Partial dentures are often used as a temporary solution for missing teeth before patients get a dental bridge or dental implant, but they can also be used as a permanent option for some patients.

2. Full-Arch Dentures

Full-arch dentures are probably what you think of when you hear the term “dentures.” They consist of a gum-colored, acrylic base with a full row of false teeth. They fit tightly onto your gums and are held in place by friction, though denture adhesive can also help keep dentures in place.

These dentures are only used for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. This is because you must have any remaining teeth removed to get full-arch dentures, even if they’re healthy.

3. Implant-Supported Dentures

These dentures are quite a bit different from traditional partial or full-arch dentures. This is because they are held in place using a series of 4-6 dental implants, which are permanently implanted into your gums and jaw bone.

The gums and jaw bone bond to the implants and hold them securely in place. Then, a special set of dentures attaches to these implants to restore the upper row, lower row, or both rows of your teeth.

Implant-supported dentures have a few significant benefits over traditional full-arch dentures. First, they will never shift or move while you eat, speak, or chew. They are very stable, since they are anchored directly to your jaw. They also look and feel more natural than traditional dentures.

In addition, dental implants have the unique ability to stimulate your jaw bone and prevent “bone resorption,” where the jaw bone begins to deteriorate after tooth loss. This can cause changes in your appearance, and dental implants prevent things. In addition, implant-supported dentures also tend to have a longer lifespan, since they do not need to be replaced as frequently due to changes in your facial anatomy.

Contact Mestichelli Barnes Dental Associates To Learn More About Dentures!

As experts in dentures and implant dentistry in Philadelphia, Dr. Bill Mestichelli and Dr. Michael Barnes can help you explore your options for both traditional and implant-supported dentures. If you’re interested, just contact us online or give us a call at (215) 334-2000 to schedule an appointment today.