Your Guide to Conventional Removable Dentures

What are Conventional Removable Dentures?

Conventional removable dentures have been used for decades to replace missing teeth, whether a person has lost a single tooth or an entire set.

While they have fallen out of favour recently, due to the growing popularity of dental implants, dentures are still a preferable solution for many that can’t afford or are saving up for implants.

There are a number of different types of dentures, to suit different patients, budgets, and personal preferences. If you’re in the process of
making a decision about dentures, this brief guide to the different kinds available may help you determine the best course of action. Don’t forget to check if your health fund will offer you any rebate coverage!

When you hear people refer to dentures they are usually talking about tooth-supported removable dentures that sit on top of the gum and are not anchored by implants.

Complete Dentures or Full Dentures

As the name would suggest, complete dentures are used to replace a full set of missing teeth on the upper or lower jaw. These are the dentures you always see in cartoons sitting in a glass beside the bed and while they are a low-cost solution to the problem of missing teeth, they can be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and awkward to use.

While full dentures are still used by some patients, implants and implant-supported dentures are becoming more popular as they allow for a more comfortable, stable fit and fewer problems with bone shrinkage.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures, as the name would suggest, replace some rather than all missing teeth. They are used when there are one or more natural teeth remaining in the jaw. While partial dentures are anchored to the teeth with clasps or hooks they still move around a lot and cause difficulties eating and speaking.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Denture implants are stabilised by implant fixtures which are anchored to the jaw so they are extra stable and no damage is caused to healthy teeth. Denture-supported implants are generally used to replace a full set of missing teeth, while individual teeth can be replaced by single implants.

There are a number of benefits that come with choosing implant-supported dentures over more traditional types, including a more natural appearance, a more comfortable fit, and the ability to speak and eat without worrying about slipping and sliding.

If you’re currently experiencing problems with missing teeth or you’re looking to replace your dentures, there are a few different options available to you. The best way forward will depend on a number of factors including how many teeth are missing, your overall oral health and your personal preferences and budget.