Types of Dentures

Robert Madden

Types of Dentures

An accomplished dentist, Robert Madden, DDS, holds an MBA from the University of Colorado and owns Southwest Family Dentistry in Littleton, a suburb in the Denver metro area. At his practice, Dr. Robert Madden offers a wide range of dental services, including dentures.

Types of Dentures

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. They can be either complete or partial. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth have been removed, and they are available in two types - conventional and immediate. Conventional dentures go in the mouth only after the gums have healed, while immediate dentures are placed in the mouth as soon as the teeth are removed and before the gums have fully healed. Immediate dentures often need to be adjusted after placement, since the healing process can cause the gums and bones to shrink.

Types of Dentures

When some natural teeth remain, partial dentures are used to fill in gaps and prevent natural teeth from shifting out of position. Partial dentures are attached to natural teeth with metal clasps or with devices called precision attachments, the latter considered more aesthetically pleasing by many. Recently, many dentists have also begun offering overdentures for those who have lost all or most of their teeth. Combining standard denture techniques with dental implants, overdentures are secured by implanted attachments, which increases comfort and stability.