Dentures are required in case of loss or deterioration of part or all of the teeth. On the one hand, it improves your speech, your chewing, and the aesthetics of your smile. On the other hand, it stabilizes your jaw in case of imbalance, protects your remaining teeth, and helps restore your damaged teeth. But what are the different types of dentures? And in which cases should they be used? In this article, discover the 2 main types of dentures and their varieties with the appropriate care.
Fixed dental prostheses
These are dental devices intended to be permanently fixed in the mouth. Only an oral health specialist can remove them. The advantages of fixed dentures are that they provide greater security, strength, protection of the oral structure, and a better bite for the patient. However, the abutments of fixed dentures are vulnerable to decay and injury.
The crown
This is a single tooth restoration, which means that it replaces a single tooth. It is generally made of ceramic metal that reproduces the enamel of the teeth. When the tooth it replaces is damaged, it must first be filed down or reduced by grinding, then covered with a special amalgam, and overlaid with the crown. However, when the tooth it replaces is unrecoverable, it must first be removed, then a titanium screw anchor must be welded to the jawbone to receive the crown.
The bridge
This is a multi-unit restoration that consists of replacing one or more missing teeth at an adjacent angle. The bridge is connected to neighboring teeth serving as abutments.
The onlay
It allows to reconstitute of the deteriorated part of a tooth thanks to invisible and resistant materials; it is a kind of partial crown put on the external part of the tooth.
The inlay
It allows for to replacement of a tiny internal part of the tooth. It is usually made of composite resin or ceramic.
The veneer
This is a thin porcelain flap placed on an anterior tooth. Its purpose is basically aesthetic, and it only covers the visible outer surface of the tooth.
The implant
An implant is not a dental prosthesis per se, but rather an artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium. A screw is attached to the gum bone that connects the implant to a denture (crown or bridge). In addition to providing more comfort, it gives you the feeling of having your tooth. Its installation must be carried out carefully by a dental surgeon to avoid the risks of complications.
Removable or attached dentures
Also called “dentures”, removable dental prostheses are mobile dental devices that can be removed by the person wearing them, for example, before sleeping or before washing. As a result, they can interfere with speech and chewing (especially of more substantial foods). However, you should know that they are less expensive than fixed dentures. A denture specialist designed and fabricated all removable dentures to your dental impression. This type of denture is either complete or partial.
The complete removable prosthesis
It simply replaces all the teeth of the upper or lower jaw by resting on the gum. It is easy to remove and insert because it is done either by a retention bar (placed by the specialist) or by anchoring buttons integrated into the prosthesis. The removable full prosthesis facilitates peri-implant hygiene.
Removable partial prosthesis
It replaces only the adjacent missing teeth. It takes over the missing teeth’ look, feels, and function. It is composed of a cast metal frame, a plastic base imitating the gum color, and wrought wire clasps that are attached to the teeth adjacent to the two ends of the missing part.
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