What are dentures?
Dentures replace missing teeth, helping you chew and speak and restoring the shape of your smile and face. They range from removable to fixed, full to partial, and implant-supported. This guide explains the differences so you know what suits your situation.
Types of dentures
1. Full removable dentures
Replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, resting on the gums and jawbone, and taken out daily for cleaning. Upper dentures usually stay in better than lower ones thanks to suction on the palate.
2. Partial removable dentures
Replace some missing teeth, held on remaining teeth with clasps. They may have a metal framework (stronger, thinner) or be flexible and metal-free (more aesthetic in some cases).
3. Implant-supported dentures
Anchored on implants โ usually 2โ4 in the lower jaw โ making them far more stable. They can be removable, clipping onto implants, or fixed and non-removable (a full-arch bridge on 4 or 6 implants). Learn about dental implants.
4. Fixed bridges
Replace one or more teeth by anchoring to neighbouring teeth, without being removed. Read types of dental crowns.
| Conventional removable | Removable on implants | Fixed on implants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | Moderate; lower is weaker | Very good | Excellent, like natural teeth |
| Chewing comfort | Lower | Good | Best |
| Preserves bone | No | Partly | Yes |
| Removed for cleaning | Daily | Daily | No โ cleaned in place |
| Cost | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
What affects the cost?
- Type: removable or fixed, full or partial.
- Materials for the base and teeth.
- Number of implants if implant-supported.
- Preparatory treatment: extracting remaining teeth, gum treatment or bone grafting.
Getting used to new dentures
- It's normal for dentures to feel bulky, or to notice more saliva, in the first days.
- Start with soft food cut into small pieces, chewing on both sides at once.
- Read aloud to get used to speaking with them.
- Sore spots may appear โ see us to adjust them; don't adjust dentures yourself.
Caring for dentures
- Clean them daily with a denture brush and soak as instructed.
- Take them out at night to rest your gums, unless advised otherwise.
- Clean your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth.
- Have regular check-ups โ gums and bone change over time, and dentures may need relining or adjusting.
Frequently asked questions
How long do removable dentures last?
Usually several years, but they need periodic adjustment or relining as gums and bone change.
Why is my lower denture loose?
The lower jaw offers less surface for suction and the tongue moves it. The most effective fix is anchoring it on two or more implants.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
It's usually best to remove them at night to keep gums healthy โ unless they're fixed on implants.
Are fixed implant teeth suitable for older adults?
Often yes, as long as general health allows and there's enough bone โ or it can be rebuilt.
Consultation for missing teeth
At Dr. Banan Alhawamdeh's clinic in Sweifieh, we assess gums and bone and explain every option โ from removable dentures to fixed teeth on implants. Read types of dental implants or book your appointment.