Gone are the days wherein dentures are only for the elderly. In 2023, dentures are a popular and common dental solution for anyone with missing or extracted teeth.
Where traditional dentures will typically conjure up images of your grandfather taking his teeth out as a party trick, today’s dentistry practices mean that there is a wide range of dentures to choose from to ensure you’re left with a beautiful, natural smile (and not shuddering memories!).
We all know that your teeth can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Losing teeth can substantially affect an individual’s ability to eat and speak, as well as decrease self-esteem and confidence. Modern dentistry means that the different types of dentures available today have been designed to replace missing teeth in the most natural way and can be implemented to treat a wide range of concerns.
So, how do you choose the right type of dentures? Elevate Dental has developed this guide to provide a comprehensive outline of the different types and their suitability for common dental concerns. By the end of this article, you’ll have a different opinion of dentures altogether, and a better idea of which may be the best solution for you.
The Different Types of Dentures Available
It is becoming increasingly common for people to need prosthodontics, as nearly half of all Australians aged 65 and over wear dentures. However, like we’ve mentioned, dentures are now common across younger Australians too. Tooth loss can happen at any age – dentures are a viable, effective solution for replacing missing teeth.
Dentures may be required to replace teeth lost as a result of gum disease, tooth decay, an accident, ectodermal dysplasia, or gastrointestinal reflux – whatever the cause of missing teeth, dentures offer a long-term solution that will get you back smiling!
Finding the perfect denture for you will depend on the condition of your gums and jawbone, the number of missing teeth and your budget. Multiple types of dentures are available, including traditional implant bridges, dentures, overdentures, and All On X. To find the right fit, here’s what you need to take into consideration:
- Number of missing teeth
- Costs involved
- Complete vs partial dentures
Let’s delve into the main denture solutions available:
Dentures
A denture is a removable, acrylic replacement for all teeth in the lower or upper jaw. Also referred to as false teeth, dentures are essentially prosthetic devices supported by surrounding hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity, constructed to replace missing teeth.
Why are dentures a good option?
Dentures can range from $500 to $5,000 per arch, making them the most affordable and easily accessible solution. The process of receiving dentures is incredibly non-invasive, as it requires zero surgical procedures or implants, leading to a much lower risk of complication. Treatment time can be as short as 2-4 weeks, enabling you to return to your usual, more confident self in a matter of weeks!
Who might not be suited to dentures?
Dentures are not a fixed or permanent solution – they are removable, which may not be the best solution for some.
As your gums change over time, dentures must be replaced or adjusted. They also require regular cleaning to prevent build-ups of debris and bacteria, which may call for unique cleaning products or tools. People suffering from decreased amounts of healthy gum tissue and jawbone structure may be better off considering different dental solutions, as dentures can cause bone loss in the jawbone. It’s best to work with your dentist to better understand whether or not traditional dentures are the best solution for you.
Traditional Implant Bridge
A traditional dental implant bridge replaces missing teeth with false teeth by attaching a porcelain or metal bridge to the teeth on either side of the gap. It is a fixed type of denture that reduces significant gaps between teeth, offering newfound confidence to its wearer.
Benefits of the traditional implant bridge
A traditional implant bridge is a type of denture suitable for individuals who have lost multiple teeth in a row. They are highly stable and can even be more comfortable to wear than other dentures. Traditional implant bridges are a permanent and reliable solution to those pesky gaps in your smile, and are also a cost-effective solution for multiple missing teeth. They will preserve your natural teeth and prevent bone loss in the jaw, promoting long-term oral health.
Potential challenges
To get a traditional implant bridge, you must undergo oral surgery to place 6-10 dental implants into the jawbone, making it more invasive than other dentures. This will increase the treatment and recovery period to around three months. With most dental procedures comes the risk of infection, nerve damage or implant failure, and a traditional implant bridge is no exception to these possibilities. As the implant bridge is more invasive and will involve multiple implants, your dentist will work with you to determine whether or not this is the right solution for you.
Overdentures
An overdenture is a removable denture covering natural teeth or dental implants. Considered a part of preventative dentistry, overdentures are an alternative form of tooth replacement for people with healthy teeth remaining.
Are you a candidate for overdentures?
Overdentures preserve remaining teeth by providing support and preventing them from shifting, effectively preventing future tooth loss. Overdentures can be customized and made to look like natural teeth, enhancing your smile and boosting self-confidence. They are highly functional and tolerable, making simple everyday tasks such as chewing much easier on your mouth.
Disadvantages of overdentures
If you don’t clean your overdentures properly, your existing teeth may become more prone to infection and inflammation.
Overdentures are a more invasive surgical process, which consists of 2-4 implants over a treatment period of 3-6 months. Overdentures are also one of the more expensive forms of denture, typically costing anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000 per implant.
All On X Dentures
All On X is a branded denture, designed to provide multiple teeth on one implant. All on X is a fixed type of denture designed to replace heavily damaged or non-existent teeth in the upper or lower jaw using an acrylic substitute. It can be inserted in just three days, and results are instant, allowing you to return to your confident self in no time.
Should you be all for All On X?
All On X is an ideal solution for those searching for multiple teeth restoration. It provides a complete transformation with minimal downtime. It is an attractive option due to its structural strength and natural aesthetic, restoring the mouth’s function and the confidence that radiates from a beautiful smile. All On X dentures are designed to last in the long term, giving you a lasting smile while stimulating healthy bone growth in the jawbone.
What are the drawbacks of All On X implants?
All On X starts at $20,000, making it one of the most expensive dentures. This can create a significant obstacle for patients who need dental insurance or other sources of financial aid. 6-8 implants per jaw must be inserted deeply into the jawbone to ensure the stability of All On X, classifying it as an invasive surgery. You will also need to consume an all-liquid diet for up to two weeks following surgery, causing significant inconvenience in your everyday life.
Choosing the Right Type of Denture
Dentures effectively improve your smile and self-esteem, allowing you to live your best life. The best type of denture depends on several factors, including your jawbone and gum condition, missing teeth, and budget. For some, this may limit their options to partial or complete dentures, or a denture solution that is either fixed or removable. Of all the types of dentures available, traditional implant bridges, conventional dentures, overdentures, and All On X are effective ways to improve your dental appearance, each with their own set of pros and cons; the right solution for you will come down to your own individual circumstances. For more information about choosing the right type of dentures, contact Elevate Dental for your consultation today.
