Full dentures refer to full sets of teeth which are already connected with artificial gum tissue.
Upper dentures are artificial teeth and gums, plus surrounding mouth tissue, that replace some or all of the top layer of natural teeth. Common types of upper dental plates include complete, partial, immediate, over-dentures, and implant-supported dentures. Dental implants in the upper jaw are sometimes also placed into the category of upper dentures.
Complete upper dentures replace all of the upper teeth after they have been extracted. Total upper plates usually consist of a pinkish acrylic base and either porcelain or acrylic artificial teeth. The denture unit presses directly on the upper gum and is supported by the underlying bone. Total upper plates are usually not fitted for use until gums have healed from extraction procedures. This type of denture can be removed at any time.
Lower dentures are dental devices designed to replace all or some of the teeth in the bottom jaw. These devices are used when people lose teeth to allow them to eat and speak normally. They are fitted by dental professionals and some care must be taken with the fitting of lower dentures to address common problems encountered with these dental devices. Proper denture fitting also includes training in caring for dentures, as well as maintaining general oral health.
Flexible dentures are considered a more comfortable, practical alternative to hard dentures. Hard dentures can cause discomfort, especially as the shape of the gums changes with age. Flexible dentures combine prosthetic teeth with a soft, nylon base that is capable of conforming to the shape of the gums, even as they change with time. They are considered more durable and capable of offering greater chewing capability. They are typically more discreet, more hygienic, and faster to make than hard dentures.
Flexible dentures are designed to adhere to the shape of the jawbone. Flexible dentures do not require any adhesive or other devices to fasten them to the gums. This is why they are generally a tighter, more comfortably fitting dental appliance than hard dentures. Because flexible dentures generally fit better than hard dentures without causing discomfort, they are believed to give dental patients the ability to chew even difficult foods, like apples.
Flexible dentures are considered quite durable. The prosthetic teeth embedded in the dentures may crack easily. The flexible nylon base of flexible dentures, however, is capable of withstanding rough handling.
Flexible dentures are made from a durable, translucent nylon. Prosthetic teeth are embedded in the dentures. Because the nylon base is translucent, the dentures blend in with the natural color of the gums and are considered more discreet than traditional dentures. Prosthetic teeth are usually designed to match the dental patient’s aesthetic choices.
Unlike many hard dentures, flexible dentures are non-porous. Flexible dentures do not typically encourage the growth of bacteria. They are therefore considered more hygienic than hard dentures.
Flexible dentures can be easier to make than their hard, acrylic counterparts. When acrylic dentures are manufactured, multiple adjustments to the fit are generally needed. Dentures made with a flexible nylon base are often easier to fit and therefore easier to manufacture. Dental patients may find that dentures made with a flexible base are fitted and manufactured much more quickly than traditional dentures.