What types of dentures are there?

Dentures are made of either acrylic or metal and both of which are custom fitted to your mouth. They are of different types:

Removable Partial Denture (RPD)

Partial dentures can be made with a conventional metal framework, Valplast® plastic, or a combination. Partial dentures made with Valplast are the most aesthetic option. They feature high-quality replacement teeth and natural-looking cosmetic clasps, plus are thin, lightweight and flexible.

Transitional Partial Dentures

Transitional dentures are dentures which are designed to transition a patient from one oral condition into the next. Transitional dentures are known as a temporary solution that will ultimately be replaced and discarded.

These relatively inexpensive removable plastic dentures serve as a temporary tooth replacement and space maintainer while you wait for your mouth to heal enough for a dental implant. Once the healing process is complete, the dental implant can be placed.

How do Removable Dentures work?

Full or partial dentures consist of a gum-colored base, which is usually made of plastic resin that fits over the remaining bone to hold the teeth. Removable dentures are actually held in place so that the suctioning effect can be obtained. Coming to the upper denture, it is benefited with extra support from the large surface area of the roof of the mouth. They both are important as this allows the denture to be stable and intact. Removable dentures also enable the patients to maintain more youthful facial features as it usually provides support to the facial bone and the soft tissues of the cheeks and lips.

It’s important that your dentures are fitted properly. They are held in place primarily by the suctioning effect of their close fit against the alveolar ridges (gums). The upper denture also gets support from the large surface area of the roof of the mouth, which helps stabilize it. At first, it may seem strange to wear dentures to talk and eat. But over time, the muscles, nerves and ligaments of the mouth learn to work in new ways, which allows these functions to occur normally.

Denture relining

Denture relining is an affordable and straightforward solution to reshaping the denture’s underside to promote comfort as it rests against the gums. They can be either soft or hard, which completely depends on a person’s choice and condition. A soft denture reline is the most comfortable option and best for those who have sensitive gum tissues that can’t handle the weight of the denture. A soft reline takes place by our professionals by layering a liquid polymer right into the denture to provide cushion and depth, this is the fastest procedure that allows patients a perfectly comfortable fit.

Just like you did with your natural teeth, you need to care for your dentures to keep them looking and feeling great. Your dentist will give you tips on how to care for your dentures at home. Equally important is coming back in for regular dental visits so your dentist can adjust the fit and check the health of your mouth.

Over time, your gum line will change as the bone that once held your natural teeth in place begins to shrink. Your dentist will recommend your dentures be relined, or resurfaced, to adjust to the changes and keep the fit snug. Poorly-fitting dentures will feel uncomfortable and make it harder to eat and talk. They can also cause the bone and soft tissues in your mouth to erode more quickly. Relining your dentures minimizes these problems.

With proper care, dentures offer a functional, aesthetic and economical solution for people who have lost teeth.