Types of dentures used to restore the smile

Dentures are often economical for patients with significant tooth loss to replace missing teeth within the smile. However, full dentures are not the only type of denture available. Patients who visit Dr. Colby Eckland and his team at Redmond Smiles of Redmond, Washington, have several choices. Whether you need to replace a single tooth with a partial denture or seek stability from implant-supported dentures, we can help you find the prosthetic right for you!

Four types of dentures that could be used to replace missing teeth in your smile:

• Partial dentures are best used to replace one or more missing teeth in the mouth. They are created with a metal or plastic framework that attaches to the remaining natural teeth in the mouth, with false teeth attached to fill in the gaps. These types of dentures are removable and can be easily removed for cleaning.
• Complete dentures work best when all the natural teeth in the mouth are missing. They feature a full set of false teeth on top of the gums and are held in place by suction or dental adhesive. Complete dentures may take some time to get used to, but they provide a full set of functional teeth for those who have lost all their natural ones.
• Implant-supported dentures- Also known as snap-in dentures, implant-supported or “implant-retained” dentures are held in place by dental implants surgically inserted into the jawbone. This type of denture is more stable and secure than traditional complete dentures, providing a more natural feel and improved chewing ability for the wearer.
• Immediate dentures– In addition to these three main types of dentures, there are also variations, such as immediate dentures, which are placed immediately after teeth extraction. This allows for faster restoration and gives patients confidence between the time their teeth are removed and the time they get their final denture.