The Different Types of Dentures to Suit Your Needs

The medical world has progressed by leaps and bounds. Simultaneously, there have been stunning advancements in the cosmetics industry. Both these sectors, by coming together in some cases, have produced remarkable results. Plastic surgery is one such example where the best of medical fields and cosmetic industry meet. A denture is another such example which has made life easy for people, especially geriatrics, whose teeth have fallen off.

Dentures, or dental plates, are basically prosthetic implements that act as replacements for natural teeth that have fallen off or have gone missing due to different reasons. These dental plates are generally made by dentists or prosthodontists, by taking a series of impressions of the jaw and teeth from different angles, by using wax solutions. These impressions give the dentist an idea about the measurements of the teeth, the gap between each tooth and their sizes and shapes. Also, these impressions give an idea about the gum structure beneath the teeth which is very crucial while developing the dental plates. Today, dental plates are widely used as they offer safe and easy-to-use solution for replacing natural teeth. A report by Research Dive states that the global dentures market is predicted to surge with an impressive CAGR of 6.5% in the 2021-2028 timeframe.

What are the Different Types of Dentures?

Dentures can be classified on many lines; if classified on the basis of their position, they are basically of two types - mandibular or maxillary. Mandible or mandibular arch is the lower jawbone while maxilla or maxillary arch is the upper jawbone. Similarly, dental plates can be classified on the basis of the material used for their manufacturing. Thus, they can made of acrylic, metal or even nylon. Classification can also be done depending on whether these dental plates are fixed or removable. However, the most common classification is on the lines of their coverage, i.e., complete or partial.

Complete or full dentures, as the name suggests, are used when there is a need to replace all the teeth in a jaw, upper or lower, while, partial ones are used when a few teeth need replacement. Complete dental plates can be further classified into conventional and immediate dental plates. Conventional dental plates are those which are prepared and fitted after 8-12 weeks after removing the original natural set of teeth. Immediate dental plates, on the other hand, are prepared in advance on the basis of original teeth and fitted as soon as the original set of teeth are removed. Thus, the main advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer doesn’t have to wait for 8-12 weeks to get his/her teeth replaced. However, the disadvantage is that they may need future adjustments, as the gums aren’t healed immediately after removing the teeth.

How to Take Care of Your Dentures?

A wearer, upon getting new dental plates, may feel uncomfortable for the first few weeks. However, after taking their appropriate care this uncomfortable feeling will go away.

• First and foremost, brush your dentures regularly to keep them clean. Food particles and plaque, if any, will be washed away, and will thus prevent them from entering the oral cavities. Also, keeping your dentures clean will prevent them from getting stained.
• After getting new dental plates, try eating soft foods or liquid supplements so as to let the plates adjust easily and quickly. Also, it will help in minimizing the pain that is associated with getting new dentures.
• If the dental plates are fixed, use denture adhesives to enhance their stability and retention. Some adhesives also help in alleviating the pain.
• If your dental plates are removable, keep them in a denture soaking solution or in distilled water so as to keep them clean and moisturized. Also, never keep them in hot water as they can get deformed. Some dentists even suggest to keep the dental plates in white vinegar to prevent formation of calculus. However, the vinegar shouldn’t be too acidic as it will damage the plates.
• If the dental plates are removable, washing your gums and oral cavities before putting them back on should be done mandatorily. This will prevent the food particles from getting stuck beneath the dental plates which may cause infection.

Dentures are thus, great implements which can help as perfect replacements for your lost teeth. At the same time, they ensure that they have no effect on your looks or the way you eat or speak. Taking care of your dental plates is however, very important.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.