Dentures
There are several ways to replace your missing teeth. Here’s a look at some of the options:
Full Dentures
Full dentures, or complete dentures, consist of both upper and lower sets and are removable devices that can be used to replace missing teeth. The denture teeth are made out of porcelain or acrylic and are held together by an acrylic or metal base. Full dentures may be needed when you lose all of your teeth and they can help fill out your appearance again, leaving you feeling more confident to smile. With proper care and maintenance, full dentures can last anywhere from 5–10 years.
Partial Dentures
Upper and/or lower partial dentures are designed to fill the gap created by missing teeth. Partials can be unclipped and removed when needed, helping you feel more confident if you’re missing a small number of teeth.
Temporary Dentures
Temporary dentures—also called immediate dentures—are dentures that can be fitted right after your teeth have been removed. They are an option to help you carry on as normal while waiting for your new permanent dentures to be fitted. You can return to eating the foods you love, without putting too much pressure on your remaining natural teeth.
Flexible Dentures
Flexible dentures are a kind of partial denture, but they are made of different materials from ordinary partial dentures. Most flexible dentures are made of a thin thermoplastic such as nylon, compared to the thicker, more rigid acrylic used in full dentures.
Snap-on Dentures
Snap-on dentures are removable crowns that snap on and off of surgically inserted implants in your jawbone. They fasten securely so you can chew the foods you love without worrying about your dentures coming loose.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is used to replace missing teeth by surgically cementing an artificial tooth, known as a crown, to the remaining natural teeth on each side. Like all surgically fixed dentures—including implants, implant–supported dentures, and snap-on dentures—fixed bridges tend to cost more than removable dentures.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is recommended when a molar is missing and there are no teeth on 1 side of it to support the bridge. One or more teeth on the other side are instead used for support.