Ever wondered what dentures are and which type might be right for you? Whether you’ve just lost a tooth or are considering alternatives to dental implants, dentures can feel like a mystery. You’re not alone.
Tooth loss can be stressful, affect your confidence, and make everyday activities like eating or speaking a challenge. Dentures offer a solution, but with so many types, how do you choose?
In this guide, Medivance Dental explains what dentures are, with a focus on snap-in, flexible, and immediate dentures so that you can make an informed decision.
Overview: What Are Dentures?
So, what are dentures? They’re removable oral appliances designed to replace missing teeth. Crafted by dental technicians, dentures sit atop your gums and help restore functionality and aesthetics.
These aren’t one-size-fits-all devices. They come in a variety of materials and styles, each tailored to suit different oral conditions.
Partial Dentures vs. Full Dentures
There are two main categories: partial and full dentures.
- Full dentures replace all teeth in your upper or lower jaw.
- Partial dentures are for people missing a few teeth, and the remaining teeth are used for support.
Partial dentures often come with metal clasps or flexible materials that hook around your natural teeth.
Types of Dentures
Understanding the types is essential when asking what dentures are. Let’s explore the most popular options.
Full Dentures
These traditional dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. They rest on the gums and are often secured using denture adhesive.
Partial Dentures
Great for people with several missing teeth but some healthy ones remaining. Partial dentures rely on both the gums and jawbone ridge for support.
Immediate Dentures
Wondering what immediate dentures are? These are inserted immediately after tooth extraction. They help preserve facial structure and support speech and chewing while your gums heal.
However, because your jaw changes shape during healing, they often require relining or replacement later on.
Flexible Dentures
Not sure what flexible dentures are? These partial dentures are made from soft thermoplastic materials that mould to your gums.
Benefits of flexible dentures:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- No metal parts, making them more aesthetic
- Ideal for patients with sensitive gums
Snap-In Dentures
One of the most stable options, what are snap in dentures exactly? These attach to dental implants via a locking mechanism or snap.
Advantages of snap-in dentures:
- Enhanced stability
- No need for adhesives
- Better chewing function
- Bone preservation through implants
Learn how they compare to traditional dentures.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Similar to snap-ins but entirely removable, these dentures “click” into place over implants. You’ll remove them nightly for cleaning.
Implant-Supported Dentures (Hybrid Dentures)
These are permanent dentures affixed to implants. Only a dentist can remove them. While they offer maximum stability, they require meticulous daily care, including cleaning beneath the denture.
Procedure Details
Curious about how dentures are made? Here’s the breakdown.
What Happens During a Denture Consultation?
At Medivance Dental, your consultation includes:
- A full oral exam
- Digital dental X-rays
- Discussion of your goals and options
Your dentist considers your bone density, remaining teeth, and overall health to recommend the best denture type.
How Are Dentures Made?
The process includes:
- Dental impressions of your gums and teeth
- Creation of a stone model by a dental technician
- Crafting the denture using materials like acrylic or flexible resin
- Denture fitting and final adjustments for comfort
What Happens During a Denture Fitting?
At your fitting, the dentist ensures:
- The denture fits comfortably
- It doesn’t irritate the gums
- You can chew and speak naturally
Expect a few return visits for adjustments.
What Are the Benefits of Dentures?
- Restore chewing function
- Enhance speech clarity
- Improve facial appearance
- Boost self-esteem
- Allow better nutrition intake
What Are the Drawbacks of Dentures?
- Can feel bulky or unstable (especially traditional types)
- May need adhesives
- Require regular cleaning and relining
- Can cause facial collapse over time without implants
Recovery and Outlook
Adjusting to dentures takes time, typically a few weeks to months, and with proper care and occasional adjustments, you can enjoy improved comfort and function for many years.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Dentures?
Everyone’s different. Most people adjust in a few weeks. You’ll likely need several tweaks in the first month to get the fit just right.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
With good oral hygiene, most dentures last 7 to 10 years. Regular denture relines help maintain comfort and function.
How Can I Take Care of My Dentures?
- Remove and clean daily with a denture brush
- Soak overnight in a cleaning solution
- Brush your gums and any remaining teeth twice a day
- Avoid using hot water, which can warp the denture
When To Call the Doctor
Get in touch with your dentist if:
- Dentures feel loose
- You have gum pain or sores
- Your speech changes
- They’re more than 10 years old
- You notice cracks or discolouration
What Are Some Alternatives to Dentures?
If dentures aren’t the right fit for you, alternatives like dental implants and dental bridges offer practical solutions to restore your smile and chewing ability.
Dental Implants
These are the most popular alternatives. They replace missing tooth roots and help prevent jawbone loss. They’re also the base for snap-in and hybrid dentures.
Dental Bridges
Bridges are fixed and best suited for patients with 1–3 missing teeth in a row. They require healthy adjacent teeth for support.
Here’s a breakdown of how bridges compare to dentures.
Is It OK to Sleep with Dentures In?
No. It’s best to remove them for at least 8 hours a day to:
- Reduce oral bacteria
- Prevent gum irritation
- Preserve jawbone health
Final Thoughts from Medivance Dental
By now, you’ve got a solid understanding of what are dentures, especially the snap-in, flexible, and immediate types. Each serves a unique purpose and fits different oral health needs.
We understand that choosing the right denture is a big decision.
At Medivance Dental, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team focuses on personal comfort, long-term outcomes, and quality denture options.
To learn more or book a consultation, visit our contact page or call us today. If you’re in need of dentures in Perth, the experts at Medivance Dental have you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the flexible dentures?
Flexible dentures come in upper or lower arch styles. They’re ideal for patients missing a few teeth and who can’t tolerate rigid acrylic or metal.
What are the types of immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures can be full or partial and used as a temporary solution after extractions.
What are the three types of dentures?
The three main types are full dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported dentures.
Can I get dentures right after tooth extraction?
Yes. That’s what immediate dentures are designed for.
Are snap-in dentures worth it?
Yes, for many people. They offer better stability and comfort than traditional dentures and help prevent bone loss.
