Full dentures: This is a denture that replaces all the teeth. This can be either on the upper or lower jaw.
A partial denture is any denture which fits around existing teeth. There are three options:
- 100% acrylic with or without clasps
- A metal frame with acrylic teeth and acrylic gum attached.
- A flexible denture. Suitable when missing one or two teeth only.
Most of the time a metal frame is used because it can be made smaller and it as a lot stronger. Metal partials are less prone to breakage.
Implant retained denture: Most commonly, this is a full denture which is retained by implants. Implants are titanium screw like fixtures that are inserted into the jaw bone. The denture has "press stud" like attachments that click on and off the implants. The denture is removable, which is preferable, because it allows for cleaning.