Dentures, also commonly known as false teeth, are a prosthetic replacement option for a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Dentures are designed to restore function such as eating and chewing and enhance aesthetics. They are removable, meaning they can be taken out of the mouth.
Generally, dentures can be divided into two categories; partial or full. A partial denture is used to replace a single tooth or several missing teeth. They can be used in situations where some natural teeth remain and they often have small metal clasps that sit around some of those remaining teeth for additional support. A full denture is used to replace all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. A full denture relies on the remaining gums and soft tissues to hold it in place. An overdenture is a type of full denture that is stabilised by implants. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and the denture sits over the top of them. Typically, overdentures are more stable than regular dentures, however, not all patients are appropriate candidates for implant placement. After evaluation, your dentist can decide which type of denture is right for you.
