What Type of Dentures Are Best for My Needs?

Missing teeth 一 a few teeth or a row of teeth 一 can impact your oral health, physical health, and self-esteem. Dentures can help, but which type is right for you? 

The good news is you don’t have to make this decision alone. Here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, in the Chelsea district of New York City, Dr. David Blaustein offers different types of dentures. He personalizes each denture consultation to help you reach your specific goals.

Here’s a brief look at the types of dentures we offer and how to determine which type might be best for you.

Traditional complete dentures

Traditional complete dentures are the dentures most people think of when they imagine dentures. They’re a removable prosthesis that replaces both the upper and lower sets of teeth.

Denture teeth, made of porcelain, plastic, or a combination, are secured in an acrylic or metal base. The upper dentures cover your palette, or roof of your mouth, and the lower, U-shaped dentures allow your tongue to move freely while you speak and chew.

Dentures create a natural suction, but you can also use denture adhesive to secure your dentures.

These dentures are manufactured and placed in your mouth after it’s healed from any extractions.

You might benefit from traditional dentures if you’re missing rows of teeth and aren’t a candidate for implants or don’t want implants.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are similar to full dentures, consisting of prosthetic teeth in a pink-colored base. However, instead of replacing all of your teeth, partial dentures only replace some. A metal framework supports your partial dentures, allowing you to keep any remaining healthy teeth. 

Partial dentures might be right for you if you’re missing one tooth or several teeth and still have several natural teeth. 

Immediate dentures

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are placed in your mouth immediately after extractions. Your gums heal while you wear your dentures.

Later, after your gums have healed, we can easily refit your dentures to accommodate any changes in your mouth as the gums and jaws heal.

Implant-supported overdentures

An implant-supported overdenture is an innovative solution that fuses the benefits of dentures and implants. This type of denture consists of a row of teeth supported by a few dental implant posts. With this construction, you can:

• Avoid the jawbone atrophy common with missing teeth 
• Enjoy the sturdiness of dental implants without needing one for every missing tooth
• Feel confident eating without worrying about sliding dentures 
• Possibly avoid bone grafting (due to the angled placements of the implant posts)
• See immediate results — your dentures are placed immediately after implant insertion!

Implant-supported overdentures are long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing, and convenient — you don’t have to soak these dentures nightly.

Which type of dentures is best for you?

We offer comprehensive denture care from your first consultation to your annual oral exam. Part of our mission is making sure you get the right dentures for your needs.

During your denture consultation, we review all of your options. Many factors shape your treatment plan, including:

• How many teeth you’re missing
• Your personal preferences
• Your overall health, including if you’re a good candidate for implant surgery
• The quantity and quality of your jawbone

To get started with dentures, call our Manhattan office or request your appointment online today.