Removable Teeth Options
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What are Removable Teeth?
- Removable Teeth Options
- What You Should Know About Removable Teeth
- Conclusion
Introduction
Removable teeth, while not the most ideal, may sometimes be the best option under certain circumstances. Missing teeth can greatly affect chewing, speech, and appearance. The choice of restoring these missing teeth depends on various factors:
- How long the tooth has been missing for
- The condition of the neighboring teeth
- Are there multiple areas of missing teeth?
- Cost of treatment options
What are Removable Teeth?
Removable teeth, also known as removable prosthetics, can be for one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or an entire arch of missing teeth. Unlike fixed alternatives like implant crowns, bridges, and hybrid dentures, these prosthetics are not as stable.
Removable Teeth Options
- Conventional complete denture: A full arch of removable teeth, typically known as denture teeth.
- Acrylic resin replicates gum tissue and denture teeth.
- Multiple visits are necessary for impressions and lab exchanges.
- Conventional complete denture: A full arch of removable teeth, typically known as denture teeth.
- Digital complete denture: A digitally designed full arch of removable teeth.
- FDA-approved 3D printed resin for gum tissue and denture teeth.
- These dentures can also be milled out of blocks of material to accomplish the same goal of a digitally driven prosthetic.
- Facial scanners can be utilized to see how the new set of teeth will fit your face and create a new smile.
- Conventional metal-based partial denture: Replaces several areas of missing teeth.
- Acrylic resin used to replicate gum tissue and denture teeth.
- Chromium-cobalt mix of metal used as the framework for this prosthetic.
- Good anchoring teeth are imperative to the long term success of the prosthetic.
- Areas on the anchoring teeth are usually drilled into to allow for a lock-and-key mechanism for the prosthetic to fit into.
- These prosthetics can be repaired or new denture teeth can be added very easily.
- Conventional nylon-based partial denture: Flexible partial denture that replaces several areas of missing teeth.
- Brands such as Valplast, DuraFlex and Flexite use a nylon-based material for this style of prosthetic.
- More esthetic than metal-based partials.
- Tend to stain more easily than metal-based partials.
- Cannot be repaired if broken or if a new denture tooth needs to be added.
- Digital partial denture: Partial dentures digitally designed and manufactured.
- Strong materials can be utilized for 3D printing and milling for the framework needed for partial dentures.
- Experienced dental lab is necessary.
- One tooth replacements: Replaces one tooth and can be done in several ways.
- Single tooth dentures: also known as a flipper or single tooth removable partial denture.
- Acrylic resin used to replicate gum tissue and a denture tooth used to fill the gap of a missing tooth.
- Can be difficult to eat with it in.
- Nesbit appliance: usually used for a missing tooth in the back of the mouth.
- Denture tooth with acrylic clasps that hook onto neighboring teeth.
- Can be a choking hazard.
- Not very stable to chew on.
- Essix appliance: clear plastic retainer that goes over your teeth.
- Fill material or a denture tooth placed into the missing tooth area.
- Not recommended to eat with it in.
- Single tooth dentures: also known as a flipper or single tooth removable partial denture.
- Digital complete denture: A digitally designed full arch of removable teeth.
What You Should Know About Removable Teeth
How Removable Prosthetics Fit
Removable partial dentures fit snugly around anchoring teeth, but stability while chewing depends on the missing teeth areas. Removable complete dentures rely on suction and remaining bone. Implant-retained dentures add more stability.
How Long It Takes to Finalize Removable Teeth
Removable dentures are made by dental labs and the process can be lengthy. Conventional dentures can take months, but digital alternatives may offer quicker turnaround times.
How to Maintain Removable Teeth
It's recommended to remove prosthetics at night, soaking them in denture cleaners. Regular dental visits ensure prosthetics and oral health are maintained.
Will You Need to Replace the Removable Prosthetics?
Missing teeth cause bone loss over time, impacting prosthetic fit. Adhesives like Poligrip and Fixodent can help manage fit issues.
Conclusion
While removable teeth can be a challenging transition, they offer a solution for those missing teeth, especially when considering costs. To understand the best options for individual needs, consulting a dentist is crucial.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.