Dentures are one of the most used methods to replace missing teeth. There are different types of dentures but in general, they are artificial teeth made of acrylic or porcelain that can be used to replace only some consecutive teeth or all upper or lower teeth including gum tissue.
Full and partial dentures look very much like natural teeth and they allow the patients to eat, speak and smile with confidence again and also support the facial muscles to keep the structure of the face.
Nowadays there are other teeth replacement options that provide a more permanent solution to the problem without compromising the jawbone structure, like dental implants; but conventional dentures are still relevant and have evolved over the years to bring better results and a more comfortable experience to patients that can’t go under oral surgery.
While in the United States dentures cost go from 700$ to 1500$, in our dental clinic in Los Algodones México you can save up to 70% in the costs of your treatment.
This is all the information you need to know about types of dentures and when is each type recommended.
When are dentures recommended as replacement teeth?
Complete or partial dentures are a treatment for tooth loss and they can replace a full arch of teeth or only a few consecutive teeth. Dentures are mostly used on elder patients but this is only because the procedure is less invasive than other options.
Recent surveys have shown that around 40 million adults in the United States use some type of denture and about 40% are people between the age of 40 and 60. This confirms that age is not a limitation to wearing dentures; thanks to the new materials, they cause less discomfort.
Denture’s side effects
On the other side, dentures have a big disadvantage and it’s that over time, the jawbone starts to be reabsorbed because the tooth roots are not stimulating the bone. Bone loss can affect the structure of the jaws and face; that is why dentists only recommend conventional dentures when is the most convenient option for the patient.
When is recommended to use dentures?
A denture is the best choice when the patient is not a good candidate for oral surgery. They can be used in cases of complete tooth loss, when the patient has lost only a few teeth, or when there’s a lot of damage on the natural teeth so the teeth need to be extracted.
During your consultation at our dental clinic, one of our dentists will guide you through the viable options for your particular case.
What are the different types of dentures that can be used to replace missing teeth?
There is one denture to treat each case of tooth loss, they can be fixed or removable, made out of hard or flexible materials, and complete or partial. These are all types of dentures with their advantages and disadvantages.
Traditional complete dentures
Also called full dentures are used to replace a whole arch when the patient has no remaining natural teeth. Full dentures can be used on the upper or lower jaw, they are made of acrylic resin and include false teeth and a material to imitate gum tissues. For the upper jaw, the denture also has a palate to create better suction when placing it.
As these are removable dentures so it is normal to feel that it moves a little when speaking or chewing, to help with this issue you can use a small amount of denture adhesive. If the denture keeps moving even with the adhesive, you must visit your dentist to correct the adjustment.
It is normal to feel a little pain and discomfort with complete dentures, especially during the first weeks but once the mouth gets used to the new teeth, the pain should cease.
Pros of full dentures
– The patient is able to chew normally again.
– Holds the facial muscles.
– The false teeth look a lot like natural teeth.
– They are cheaper than other full-mouth restoration options.
Cons of full dentures
– The patient may develop speaking problems.
– They require a lot of maintenance.
– The lower denture doesn’t hold as well as the upper dentures.
Implant-supported denture
An implant-supported denture is almost the same as a complete denture but this one is fixed to the gums by dental implants. They provide more comfort than traditional dentures but the treatment requires surgery to insert 4 to 6 implants in each jaw.
Even when implant-supported dentures are considered permanent dentures, it is possible to remove them to clean them at least once a day. Patients have the choice of sleeping with the denture or taking them off.
The cost of dentures like this one is higher because it includes the cost of the surgery. It is also important to mention that the patient must have a recovery period after the surgical procedure before the denture can be placed.
Pros of fixed dentures
– They are stronger than traditional ones.
-The denture won’t move when eating or speaking.
-There’s no need to use denture adhesive.
-They resemble natural teeth perfectly.
Cons of fixed dentures
– Oral surgery is needed to place the implants.
-If the patient doesn’t have enough bone to receive the implant, another treatment to graft bone will be necessary.
-This is the most expensive type of denture.
-The treatment lasts longer.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures are used to replace a few consecutive missing teeth, they are generally recommended to replace one or more teeth, and a good thing about this type of denture is that it is possible to use it on patients that have some remaining natural teeth.
Partial dentures are also made of acrylic resin but in some cases, flexible materials can be used to make them more comfortable. There are two types of partial dentures, they can be fixed or removable.
When there are only a few missing teeth, a partial denture is used as a temporary solution to the problem to avoid damage to the bone and existing teeth over time.
Fixed partial dentures
These are implant-retained dentures that are used to replace up to 4 consecutive teeth. They act like dental bridges but instead of using adjacent teeth to support the crowns, the false teeth are supported by one or two implants, depending on how many teeth have to be replaced.
A fixed partial denture is completely permanent, which means that it can’t be removed in any case, unlike complete fixed dentures. In most cases, this treatment is a better choice than using single implants to replace each missing tooth.
Pros of fixed partial prosthetics
-They are a permanent solution.
– The risk of bone loss is reduced.
-Implant-supported dentures are stronger and more secure.
-Unlike a dental bridge, the adjacent teeth are not compromised.
Cons of fixed partial prosthetics
-A surgical procedure is required to place the implants.
-This treatment has a higher cost than others.
Removable partial dentures
Removable dentures are used to replace one or multiple teeth and can be used even if the patient has a few natural teeth in the middle of the spaces.
A removable partial denture uses a metal framework to hold the false teeth. They also have two metal clasps to keep the denture in place. There’s also the possibility to use a flexible plastic that resembles the gum tissues instead of metal to hold the dentures, but this makes de prosthetics less strong.
These removable dentures can be used on the upper and lower teeth and are supported by the surrounding tissues of the mouth. If the denture doesn’t fit properly can be uncomfortable so it needs to be adjusted. A little denture adhesive can be used to make sure the denture stays in place.
Pros of removable partial dentures
-They can replace several missing teeth without compromising real teeth.
-The metal framework and clasps make the denture very strong.
– They are an affordable solution.
– It is easy to clean removable dentures.
– It is a good option for patients that are not good candidates for implants.
Cons of removable partial prosthetics
-They are not as comfortable as other dentures or teeth replacements.
– The natural appearance can be affected by the metal frame.
– If the denture doesn’t fit perfectly can cause inflammation to the gums.
Immediate dentures
These are temporary dentures that are used in cases when the patient needs tooth extractions. Immediate dentures can be used for some weeks during the healing process before the gums are ready for a permanent denture; they also help the patient get used to wearing dentures so the transition is not so hard.
In cases when the doctor recommends using immediate dentures it is very important to only keep them for the established period of time since they are not custom-made and they can cause damage to the gums and soft tissues of the mouth if they are worn for longer than they should.
Pros of immediate dentures
-They protect the gums after having teeth removed.
– Allow the patient to have teeth, eat and speak during the healing time.
– Help the patient adapt better to wearing dentures.
Cons of immediate dentures
-They are only meant as a temporary solution.
-They are not custom-made and don’t provide the best aesthetics.
– These dentures could cause discomfort and require a lot of care to keep them clean.
Economy dentures
Economy dentures are the least recommended type of dentures since they are not approved by the American Dental Association and dentists know that they can cause more harm than good to the patient.
These dentures are premade and not fitted to the patient’s mouth so they need denture adhesive to be kept in place. Wearing this type of denture can lead to gum disease and severe damage to the bone. In case you need an affordable teeth replacement, there are other options that won’t harm your mouth and will last you longer.
Contact us to get your first appointment at our dental office in Los Algodones Mexico to receive first-class dental care at half the price you would pay on the other side of the border.
All-on-4 implant dentures
All-on-4 treatment is ideal for patients who are looking to replace or restore a full set of teeth. This procedure is cheaper than other procedures or individual implants, it takes less time to heal, and it offers a natural-looking smile. All-on-4 only requires 4 implants to support a complete set of upper teeth or lower teeth.
A procedure like this one has the ability to transform a patient’s oral health and self-confidence. These fixed dentures are strong, resistant, and long-lasting. Also, since it doesn’t move around, it is very stable, sturdy, and secure, and doesn’t hurt your gums.
Pros of All-on-4
-It is an affordable solution for missing teeth, especially full mouth restorations.
-Healing is faster since it only requires 4 implants.
-It is stable, long-lasting, and strong. All-on-4 dentures feel like your own natural teeth.
-Avoids bone grafts.
Cons of All-on-4
-Dental implants have a higher cost than conventional dentures.
– It requires dieting and proper care while the healing takes place.
-They are non-removable dentures, only a dentist can remove them.
Types of dentures and cost: what to choose?
There are different types of dentures, and before choosing one, it is important to have a few things in mind.
Cost of dentures and their durability
First of all, dentures cost varies depending on denture materials, procedure and technology involved. Choosing the cheapest option might not be the best decision if you are looking for a long-term solution. These type of dentures can break easily, can be uncomfortable, and hurt your gums.
Patient’s needs and preferences
Second, it is important to know what your needs and expectations are. Do you need a complete set of dentures? Are you missing just a couple of teeth? Do you prefer to remove it or leave it and not worry? Do you prefer a lower-maintenance denture? These are important factors to consider so you know exactly what type of solution you are looking for.
Dentist’s advice
Lastly, it is important to consult with your dentist to determine what type of denture and options are best given your case, situation, and budget. You can express what your needs and expectations are, so the doctor can identify what type of denture is best for you.
If you want the best type of dentures available but you worry about the cost of dentures, then you can visit us in Los Algodones. Our specialists in Dental Solutions will guide you through the procedure and will recommend you the best option and best materials. You can save up to 70% compared with other countries, so you can have the best dental care possible.
How to adapt to your new set of dentures?
In the beginning, a new set of dentures can feel uncomfortable, especially since they are removable dentures.
Temporary issues with dentures
The mouth and tongue are not used to the extra piece, so you can produce more saliva than usual. Also, it is possible to have a weird taste in the mouth, specifically with acrylic base dentures. However, these are just temporary symptoms and will go away with time.
Soft foods
In the first week is best to choose soft foods to avoid discomfort. You can try harder foods little by little and in small pieces.
Speech difficulties and exercises
In the first couple of weeks, it is normal to experience speech difficulties. This could be frustrating, so it is recommended to practice out loud phrases and words that are complicated or just read out loud. Exercises like these will help with self-confidence while speaking. Once the tongue is adapted to the new piece, this won’t be a problem anymore.
When to contact a doctor?
If you are experiencing pain, irritation on your gums, or a skewed bite, contact your dentist immediately. It is possible that the dentures need adjusting, and fixing them is a simple procedure that will make your experience much better and more comfortable.
The best recommendation is to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and try not to remove them so often. This way, you will get used to them quickly.
How to take care of your dentures
If dentures have proper care, they can last many years. It is important to follow a cleaning routine and keep them in a safe place. The best recommendations to take care of your new denture are:
Keep your dentures in a safe place
Dentures can break or chip easily. Even though it is a strong material, it is softer than your natural teeth. It is important to keep them in a safe place while not using them to avoid them falling and breaking. A good recommendation is to place your denture on top of a washcloth so that even if it falls, it won’t break.
Cleaning routine
Dentures can create spaces for bacteria to grow which can affect your oral health. Brushing it every single day with a soft brush is needed to remove all plaque and bacteria. You can use common soap to clean it (without microbeads), but not toothpaste since it can be too harsh on the material.
Optimal oral hygiene
Along with this routine, it is also important to have good oral hygiene to avoid tooth decay. Brush your teeth and tongue carefully, floss, and use mouthwash. Rinsing your mouth and denture after each meal is essential to remove the rest of the food and bacteria.
Soak at night
While not using it, it is important to soak it. Commercial denture cleaner is the best option, but it can also use a mixture of water and white vinegar. White vinegar only is acidic, so it is not recommended to use on its own. Don’t let your denture fully dry, your experience and the durability of the material will be better if you always soak it while not using it.
