What are the different types of dentures and what are their pros and cons?

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and gums. They are custom-made to fit the individual’s mouth, and they can be made of a variety of materials, including acrylic resin, porcelain, or a combination of both. Dentures are designed to improve the appearance and function of a person’s smile, as well as to support the cheeks and lips and improve speech.

There are two main types of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used to replace all of the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures are used to replace one or a few missing teeth. Dentures can be further categorised based on how they are supported in the mouth, including conventional dentures, immediate dentures, overdentures, and implant-supported dentures.

Dentures have come a long way over the years, and today’s dentures are more comfortable, functional, and natural-looking than ever before. However, they still require proper care and maintenance to ensure they last as long as possible and continue to provide the desired results.

Different types of dentures: pros and cons

Dentures are important for oral health, especially for people who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. There are several types of dentures available, each with its own pros and cons. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of dentures and their benefits and drawbacks.

1.     Conventional Dentures

Conventional dentures are the traditional type of dentures that are made to replace all of your missing teeth. They are usually removed and cleaned daily. Conventional dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth, and they are held in place with the help of natural suction or a dental adhesive.

Pros:

• They are relatively inexpensive.
• They are easy to repair or replace.

Cons:

• They can be uncomfortable and can cause pain or sores.
• They may slip or move around in the mouth, causing difficulty speaking and eating.
• They may require adjustments over time as your mouth changes.

2.     Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are similar to conventional dentures, but they are made in advance and are ready to wear immediately after the removal of natural teeth. This type of denture is usually used as a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made and fitted properly.

Pros:

• They provide immediate support and comfort after tooth loss.
• They allow you to avoid the embarrassment of being without teeth.

Cons:

• They are typically less comfortable than conventional dentures as they need to be adjusted to fit your mouth properly.
• They may require frequent adjustments as your mouth changes.
• They may need to be replaced sooner than conventional dentures.

3.     Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used to replace a few missing teeth, rather than all of them. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a plastic or metal framework that fits around your remaining natural teeth.

Pros:

• They are less expensive than full dentures.
• They can be easily removed and cleaned.

Cons:

• They can cause damage to your natural teeth or gums.
• They may require frequent adjustments as your mouth changes.
• They can be uncomfortable or cause pain.

4.     Overdentures

Overdentures are similar to partial dentures, but they are designed to fit over a small number of remaining natural teeth that have been specially prepared for the purpose. The overdentures are held in place by the natural teeth, making them more secure than partial dentures.

Pros:

• They are more comfortable and secure than partial dentures.
• They are easy to clean and maintain.

Cons:

• They can be more expensive than partial dentures.
• They may require frequent adjustments as your mouth changes.

5.     Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are supported by dental implants, rather than being held in place by natural suction or an adhesive. They are made up of replacement teeth that are attached to a metal framework that is securely anchored to the jawbone by dental implants.

Pros:

• They are more secure and comfortable than traditional dentures.
• They provide improved stability, making it easier to eat and speak.
• They help to preserve jawbone density and prevent further tooth loss.

Cons:

• They are more expensive than traditional dentures.
• They require surgery to place the dental implants.
• They may require more maintenance and care than traditional dentures.

What are the downsides of dentures?

Dentures can be a great solution for people who have lost some or all of their natural teeth, but like any other dental prosthesis, they also have some drawbacks and limitations. Some of the downsides of dentures include:

1. Fit and Comfort: Some people may experience discomfort or irritation from dentures that do not fit properly. Over time, dentures may also become loose or ill-fitting, which can cause discomfort, embarrassment, or even sores.
2. Maintenance and Cleaning: Dentures need to be cleaned and cared for on a daily basis to prevent bad odours and staining. They may also need to be relined or adjusted periodically to ensure a proper fit.
3. Speech Impairment: Dentures can sometimes affect speech, especially in the beginning when a person is still getting used to wearing them. Slurred speech or difficulty pronouncing certain words may occur.
4. Eating Restrictions: Dentures can make it difficult to eat certain foods, such as hard or sticky foods, as they may slip or shift in the mouth. This can lead to discomfort and decreased confidence in eating.
5. Cost: Dentures can be expensive, especially when compared to other dental treatments. The cost of dentures may also increase over time as they need to be relined, adjusted, or replaced.
6. Bone Resorption: Wearing dentures for an extended period of time can cause the jawbone to shrink or resorb, which can lead to changes in the shape of the face and the fit of the dentures. This may require additional dental treatments, such as implants, to maintain the stability of the dentures.
7. Aesthetics: Although dentures have improved greatly over the years, they may still not look as natural as real teeth. Some people may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about wearing dentures, especially in social situations.

These are some of the downsides of dentures. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with dentures is different, and there are many factors that can affect their success, including the type of dentures, the fit, and the individual’s oral health.

What is it like living with dentures or false teeth?

Living with dentures can be a positive experience for many people, but it can also take some time to get used to them. Here are some things to consider when living with dentures:

• Adjustment period: When first getting dentures, it may take some time to get used to wearing them. They may feel strange or uncomfortable in the mouth, and it may take a while to get used to speaking and eating with them. However, this adjustment period is usually short and most people get used to their dentures within a few weeks.
• Comfort: Dentures that fit properly should be comfortable to wear and should not cause any discomfort or irritation. However, it’s not uncommon for dentures to need to be adjusted or relined over time, so it’s important to see a dentist regularly to ensure a proper fit.
• Eating: Dentures can make it difficult to eat certain foods, such as crunchy or chewy foods, but most people are able to eat a normal diet with practice and patience. It may take some time to get used to eating with dentures, but it usually gets easier with time.
• Oral hygiene: It’s important to clean dentures daily to prevent staining and bad odours. Dentures should be removed at night and soaked in a cleaning solution to keep them clean and fresh. It’s also important to brush the gums, tongue, and palate regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Confidence: Many people feel more confident and secure with dentures that look and feel like natural teeth. Dentures can improve the appearance of a person’s smile and help to support the cheeks and lips, which can have a positive impact on self-esteem.
• Lifestyle: Dentures should not limit a person’s lifestyle or activities. Most people are able to continue with their normal routines, including exercising and playing sports, with dentures.

In summary, living with dentures can be a positive experience for many people. With proper care and maintenance, dentures can provide a functional and natural-looking smile that can improve a person’s overall quality of life.