Dentures & Partials
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Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth when the condition of the teeth has deteriorated so far that they can no longer be repaired. Extractions (removal) of the teeth are the only option. Dentures are an option to replace those missing teeth. Dentures are used to restore chewing capability, restore a natural-looking smile, and are significantly more economical than alternative procedures. Depending on how many teeth are remaining, two variations of dentures can be used: partial dentures or complete dentures.
Complete Dentures
A complete denture is a removable prosthesis where all teeth in that arch are removed and replaced. Plastic white teeth on a flesh/gum-colored base are placed over your gums where your teeth used to be. This prosthesis is removable, and retention is based on what remains from the existing ridge.
Conventional Complete Dentures
A conventional denture is a method of complete dentures that removes all teeth, allowing for sufficient healing and bony turnover, and the denture process fabrication begins 5-6 months later. This method allows for proper healing, more comfort, and a more accurate denture at the delivery of the prosthesis and prevents needing more adjustments and denture relines.
Immediate Complete Dentures
An immediate denture is a method of complete dentures where the denture process begins before the teeth are removed. On the day of extraction of all teeth, a complete denture is placed, allowing you to never go without teeth. The pros of this procedure are that you are never without teeth, but there are trade-offs. You are healing with an appliance on a ridge that is in a constant state of healing for the first few months. This means that the fit will not be ideal until adjustments and relines (refitting) are done. In some circumstances, a denture may need to be re-based or remade after 6 months, depending on the healed state of the ridge.
A complete upper denture will almost always have a better fit and comfort than a lower complete denture. Typically, suction can be achieved with an upper denture, while lower dentures primarily rely on ridge retention. Dental implants can be used to achieve greater retention of a denture and are recommended for lower dentures due to their natural lack of retention.
Partial Dentures
Partials are a type of denture that is also a removable appliance but utilizes existing healthy teeth by gripping them with clasps to gain retention. This appliance is an economical way to replace one or more missing teeth in the same arch and tends to be more stable than a complete denture. There are many factors that determine if you are a candidate for partial dentures, including the condition of remaining teeth and oral hygiene. There are many different types of partial dentures, which will be discussed at your consultation appointment. Alternatives to partial dentures include bridges, implants, and complete dentures.
