Removable Artificial Teeth and Their Types

To comprehend the various types of removable partial dentures available today, it is crucial to know what they are. To put it simply, they are similar to an orthodontic retainer that holds teeth in their new position after braces. A dentist performing dentures in Newmarket says that, partial removable dentures are also made of plastic material with metal fasteners that sit on the soft tissue of the mouth and clips that hold the tooth in place. However, the major difference is that these dentures have one or more components attached to them that fill the gaps in your smile.

Partial Removable Dentures

The two most common removable dentures are metal partial and acrylic fins or flippers. Flexible prostheses are also an alternative.

Metal partial denture:

Among the types of artificial teeth, partial metal prostheses have a metal base, which is often composed of a cobalt-chromium alloy. The metal base stays fixed in your mouth by connecting to the natural teeth. Depending on the type of removable denture attachment, the metal may be visible, so if aesthetics are important to you, discuss your options with your dentist. Prostheses with precision joints or attachments are more expensive than metal clasps.

Acrylic fins or flippers:

Unlike the metal type, acrylic fins are made of a pink material placed on your mouth’s soft tissue. These often act as temporary space retainers until a permanent denture is made. These removable acrylic dentures, or flippers, are ideal for patients with progressive periodontal disease (gum problems) who may lose more teeth over time and require partially removable dentures. Losing each tooth over time can add one tooth to the flipper.

Flexible, removable denture:

Another beautiful and lightweight option in the construction and implantation of fixed and mobile artificial teeth is flexible prostheses made of a material called Valplast. This dental prosthesis is crafted from a pliable nylon composite material that is shaped to perfection using an injection molding technique that conforms to the patient’s mouth. Unlike traditional dental prostheses, it does not require any modification to the existing teeth. However, the restorative process can be challenging, and the prosthesis is prone to staining due to its material composition.

Full Removable Dentures

Full removable dentures are suitable for all upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. With a fully removable denture, a fleshy acrylic base is created with the denture to rest on the gum. The base of the upper prosthesis covers the roof of the mouth (palate), and the lower prosthesis is horseshoe-shaped so that it does not interfere with your tongue. Prostheses are custom-made in the dental laboratory based on the initial mold taken from the mouth.

Considering the fabrication and implantation of fixed and removable dentures and compared to a fixed full denture held in place by an implant, a traditional full denture may take some getting used to. The person may even feel discomfort in the first few weeks. They must be removed daily for cleaning and may occasionally require adhesive.

Eating and speaking with fully removable dentures takes practice as your cheek and tongue muscles learn to hold the denture in place. Complete dentures can last up to ten years. Also, due to normal wear and tear, they must be refinished, relined, or even refinished over time. They are delicate, and you must be careful not to dry them out. Also, they should always be kept in room temperature water or liquid denture cleaning solution when not in use.