Nha Khoa Tổng Quát·11 min read·Bs. Trần Thị Xuân Hương

Which Type of Removable Dentures is Best? Comparing Denture Base and Denture Type for Each Case

There is no single best type of removable denture for everyone, as dentures are custom-made for each individual, and no two people are alike. The best type is one that suits your tooth loss situation and budget. You will choose two things separately: the denture base (hard resin, reinforced resin, flexible resin, or titanium framework) and the type of teeth (Japanese, American, or composite).

This article compares the options side-by-side using a comparison table with current prices from Dental Fam, then combines them into specific combinations for each case, such as complete tooth loss, single tooth loss, or needing to save costs. First, let's understand why you need to choose twice.

Which Type of Removable Dentures is Best? Comparing Denture Base and Denture Type for Each Case

Removable Dentures Consist of Two Separate Parts

Removable dentures consist of the base and the denture teeth. These two parts are chosen separately and priced individually, so the total cost is equal to the price of the base plus the price of the teeth.

The base is the part that holds the dentures in the mouth, while the denture teeth are the teeth that replace the missing teeth. These two parts determine two different things. The base determines stability, comfort when worn, and the type of denture suitable for the extent of your tooth loss. The teeth determine durability, aesthetics, and warranty period.

Therefore, even with the same base, you can still change the type of teeth, resulting in a significant price difference. For example, switching from Japanese dentures to composite dentures can cost 1,000,000 VND per tooth. We start with the base, as the extent of your tooth loss usually determines this first.

Which type of denture base should you choose?

You choose the base based on the extent of tooth loss and your priorities: for complete tooth loss, use strong resin or rigid resin; for partial or partial tooth loss, use a framework denture; and for less tooth loss and aesthetics, use flexible resin. The table below uses current denture base prices from Dental Fam.

Type of base Price of base Suitable for Strengths Limitations
Hard resin Free Loss of many teeth or complete edentulous, requiring a simple, economical solution Lowest cost, can add metal clasps Less stable than a framework denture when abutment teeth remain
High-strength resin 1,000,000 VND Requires a plastic base but better load-bearing capacity, recommended for complete tooth loss More durable than rigid plastic, can add metal clasps Less stable than a framework denture when there are still supporting teeth
Flexible plastic 2,000,000 VND For few missing teeth, requiring aesthetics and minimal visible clasps Good aesthetics, no metal clasps Cannot add clasps, almost impossible to repair if damaged
Titanium framework denture 2,500,000 VND Losing a single or partial tooth, but the remaining tooth is still intact High stability, thin and lightweight base, less pain and discomfort Less aesthetically pleasing, broken clasps require a new denture

Each type has its own reasons, so the section below briefly explains each choice.

Hard resin or reinforced resin

If only comparing these two types, dentists prefer reinforced resin because it is more durable, while hard resin is the simplest and most economical option as it has no base cost.

Reinforced resin is still a resin base but withstands force better than regular resin, so it is recommended when all teeth are lost. Hard resin is suitable when you have lost many teeth and need a compact, economical solution. The difference between the two types is only 1,000,000 VND for the base material.

Flexible Resin

Flexible resin is suitable when you have lost only a few teeth and want a beautiful denture without visible metal clasps, but the downside is that it's almost impossible to repair if it breaks.

Because flexible resin dentures don't have metal clasps, they look more discreet, and therefore you can't add clasps. When the denture is damaged, the material's nature makes repair very difficult, and a new denture is usually considered. Dentists don't use flexible resin for cases where all the teeth in an entire jaw are missing.

Titanium Framework Denture

Titanium framework dentures are the preferred option when you still have strong supporting teeth, as they are stable, thin, lightweight, and less painful.

Titanium framework dentures use the remaining natural teeth as a support, making them stronger than resin dentures. The weakness is that they are less aesthetically pleasing, and if a clasp breaks, the clinic will have to make a new denture. This type is not suitable for complete tooth loss because when there are no teeth left in the entire jaw, there is no support.

Resin or Frame Dentures

If you have to choose between these two types, dentists prefer frame dentures because they are more stable and durable, though less aesthetically pleasing.

Therefore, if you prioritize ease of eating and long-term use, choose frame dentures. If aesthetics are the most important thing and you accept that the denture will be difficult to repair if damaged, resin is the reasonable choice.

Now that you've chosen the base, what about the type of teeth that will be attached to it?

Which type of dental crown should you choose?

Japanese crowns are suitable for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness, American crowns offer a balance between cost, durability, and aesthetics, while composite crowns are suitable for those who prioritize durability and aesthetics. The table below compares the three types:

Dentures 6 months
Criteria Japanese Crowns American Crowns Composite Crowns
Price per crown500,000 VND 800,000 VND 1,500,000 VND
Durability
Average to Fair
Fair
Extremely High
Aesthetics
Fair
Good
High, color similar to real teeth
Chewing sensation
Relatively good, meets basic needs
More stable and secure than Japanese teeth
Strong and durable, maintains shape well
Full warranty
1 year 3 years
Suitable for Prioritizing savings Balancing cost, durability, and aesthetics Prioritizing durability and aesthetics

The warranty in the last line applies to the entire denture, not just the teeth, and is the period during which the clinic will handle technical defects free of charge. Of the three types, the doctor said that American dentures are the most popular choice, although it's difficult to get an exact statistic because the number of people using removable dentures is not as high as before.

Now that you know each part, the quickest way is to assemble them according to your case.

Choose according to your case

You can compare your case with the table below to find a specific foundation and tooth combination, along with an example total cost. The figures are based on current Dental Fam prices and do not include examination and treatment fees, if any.

Your Case Suggested Background Suggested Teeth Example Total Cost
Complete Tooth Loss (12 Teeth) High-Strength Resin American Dentures 10,600,000 VND
3 Adjacent Teeth Loss, Remaining Abutment Teeth Titanium Framework Dentures American Dentures 4,900,000 VND
Minimum tooth loss (2 teeth), aesthetic needs Flexible resin American teeth 3,600,000 VND
Lowest budget, 1 tooth loss Hard resin Japanese teeth 500,000 VND
Priority for durability and aesthetics, full arch loss (12 teeth) High-strength resin Composite Dentures19,000,000 VND

Why is the combination of materials different in each case? It can be briefly understood as follows:

  • Complete tooth loss: The entire set of teeth relies on a single denture base to withstand chewing forces, so the dentist prioritizes high-strength resin because it withstands forces better, while hard resin is a more economical option.

  • Several tooth loss with remaining supporting teeth: A framework denture offers high stability and easier eating. This is especially true if many teeth are lost but the natural teeth remain.

  • Few tooth loss and aesthetics are important: Flexible resin helps conceal the clasps, but you need to accept that the denture will be difficult to repair if damaged.

  • Single tooth loss: The base price does not decrease with the number of teeth lost, so the full base price is charged for each tooth. Single molars are usually not accepted for this procedure. * Durability and Aesthetics are key: Composite dentures are extremely durable and come with a 3-year warranty, but they cost significantly more than Japanese or American dentures.

And what if you're wondering whether or not to get removable dentures?

When are fixed dentures better than removable dentures?

Fixed dentures are always the best option when you lose teeth, while removable dentures are a last resort when your circumstances don't allow for permanent dentures.

Removable dentures are difficult to chew with and are not as secure as fixed dentures. Your dentist will choose based on your budget, bone structure, and the actual condition of your mouth.

If your chewing or aesthetic requirements are too high and you insist on removable dentures, your dentist may even refuse to do so to avoid undesirable results.

If you still have some concerns about your choice, the section below may help.

Frequently Asked Questions When Choosing Removable Dentures

American dentures are the most popular choice at Dental Fam, although it's difficult to get an exact count because the number of people using removable dentures is not as high as in previous years.

American dentures strike a balance between cost, durability, and aesthetics, targeting the right customer group. However, you don't necessarily have to follow the crowd. If you prioritize saving money, consider Japanese dentures; if you prioritize durability and aesthetics, consider composite dentures.

Do more expensive dentures offer better chewing ability?

Yes, but only relatively so, because regardless of the type, removable dentures are still more difficult to chew with than fixed dentures.

American dentures are more stable and secure than Japanese dentures, while composite dentures are the strongest and maintain their shape best among the three types. However, the firmness of the denture also depends on the underlying structure and support points. In the case of losing only one molar, the denture only fills the gap and doesn't allow for chewing, so choosing an expensive denture won't change that.

What is the lowest cost for removable dentures?

The lowest cost is a hard resin base (free) plus Japanese dentures (500,000 VND per tooth), meaning 500,000 VND for one missing tooth and approximately 6,000,000 VND for a full set of 12 teeth.

These figures do not include the 100,000 VND examination fee (free if you get the dentures made immediately) and any necessary oral treatment. In return, Japanese dentures only have a 6-month warranty and average to good durability. For a longer warranty, you can consider American dentures (1 year) or composite dentures (3 years) in the denture type table above.

Is installment payment available for removable dentures?

Currently, the clinic does not offer installment payments for removable dentures. If you have a limited budget, you can choose a cost-effective combination such as a hard resin base and Japanese dentures, then discuss with the doctor to choose the most suitable option.

There is no single best removable denture for everyone; you choose the base and type of dentures and then assemble them according to your case. For complete tooth loss, strong resin dentures are recommended, while for remaining teeth, a framework denture is the preferred option. Flexible resin dentures are suitable for those with minimal tooth loss and needing aesthetics. Japanese dentures are economical, American dentures offer balance, and composite dentures are the most durable.

All doctors at Dental Fam can perform removable denture procedures. This content is based on the current price list and consultations with the clinic's doctors. You can view an overview of the service at removable dentures.

Since removable dentures are custom-made, the most accurate selection is by having a dentist examine you. You can schedule an appointment and consultation at Dental Fam; the 100,000 VND consultation fee is waived if you get your dentures made immediately.

Dental Fam - Family Clinic

  • Address: NOTT 28, 29, 30, Phuoc Long A Urban Area, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
  • Hotline: +84 582 582 345 / +84 983 001 768
  • Email: info@dentalfam.vn
Z