When choosing a denture, it's important to understand the differences between the available options depending on each patient's specific needs.
Patients with a completely edentulous jaw can replace missing teeth with an
acrylic full denture. Upper dentures are held in place by vacuum (suction), which in some cases may cause discomfort or a gag reflex.
With lower dentures, the absence of a palate can lead to instability while chewing.
Apart from the classic acrylic full denture, patients without any teeth also have the option of
implant-supported dentures. When considering
palate-free solutions for edentulous jaws, dental implants are the only viable option.
For patients who still have a few remaining natural teeth,
partial dentures are available, offering additional stability by anchoring to the existing teeth.
Partial denture options include: acrylic partial dentures and Wironit (metal framework) dentures, which use metal clasps to attach securely to natural teeth for added stability.
Another option is the
soft (flexible) denture, made of silicone. Silicone dentures come with transparent clasps, making them less noticeable. However, they absorb colour from food, are less durable, and cannot be repaired in case of damage, unlike acrylic or
wironit framework dentures.
Understanding these differences is key to selecting the best option that matches your individual needs and allows you to enjoy daily comfort and optimal denture function.