Dentures are artificial substitutes used to replace all or some of the lost teeth and adjoining tissues to maintain function, health and esthetics of the tissues. Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. All dentures are made of a denture base and teeth. The denture base is usually made of acrylic resin, which is usually colored pink to resemble the oral gum tissues. Sometimes the base can also be made of metals such as chromium cobalt alloy or certain titanium alloys.

Dentures are broadly classified as partial and complete dentures. Complete dentures replace all the teeth while partial dentures replace a few teeth. Partial dentures can be again classified as removable partial dentures and fixed partial dentures (implants).

Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are composed of a metal framework with plastic teeth & gum areas. The framework includes metal clasps or other attachments, which hold the denture in place. However, partial dentures can be removed easily for cleaning. Fixed partial dentures, which most people call bridges, are cemented in place & better simulate natural teeth.

Complete dentures
Complete dentures cover the entire jaw, either upper or lower. Complete dentures rest directly on the gum that covers the bone. However, a type of full denture, called an over denture, fits over a few remaining teeth that have been shaped by the dentist.