Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth that are removable, and custom-fitted to your mouth and existing teeth. While dentures are not a exact replica of natural teeth, technology has made dentures more comfortable and natural looking. Here are the most common types of dentures:

  • Complete full dentures – This type of dentures is what most people think of when they picture dentures–a full set of false teeth. The artificial teeth are fitted into an acrylic base that is designed to look like and blend in with your gums. The upper set of dentures have a plate that covers the roof of the mouth, while the lower set of dentures are shaped like a horseshoe and fits around the gum and jawbone tissue. These dentures are removable.
  • Partial dentures – These dentures are similar to a complete full set of dentures in that they consist of replacement teeth attached to plastic base to fit in with your gums. But instead of replacing all of your teeth, partial dentures only replace certain areas. Partial dentures usually include clasps or other metal framework that connect to remaining real teeth you have. Partial dentures can be affixed with something called precision attachments, which attach to bridges in the mouth and tend to look more natural and last longer than partial dentures with clasps.
  • Implant-supported dentures – This type of dentures is affixed or attached to implants, unlike complete or partial dentures that rest on the gum tissue. This type of denture is used when a person has no teeth in their mouth, but they do have enough bone in the jaw to support implants. Implant-supported dentures are usually used in the lower jaw as regular types of dentures are not as stable, but implant-supported dentures can also be placed in the upper jaw. There are two types of implant-supported dentures:
    • Bar-retained dentures – Two to five implants in the jawbone are attached to a thin metal bar that follows the curve of the jaw. Clips are fitted to the bar, the denture, or both. The denture then fits over the bar and is clipped in by attachments.
    • Stud-attachment dentures – The implants in the jaw hold a metal attachment that fits into another attachment within the denture. They fit together using a ball and socket type fit.
  • Immediate dentures – Immediate dentures are placed right after a person’s teeth are removed. They are molded to a person’s mouth before tooth extraction and then fitted once the teeth are taken out. While immediate dentures let the patient have a full set of teeth right away, they may need to be refitted as the gums heal. Some patients need a completely new set of dentures after this healing process.

Here at Perdido Bay Dental, we’ve provided dental implants, mini implants, and dentures to thousands of happy patients around the Gulf Coast. We also have a full on-site lab to help keep the cost of dentures lower for you, and speed up the process of getting custom molds. Give us a call today to learn more or schedule a FREE consultation: (850) 542-4428.