Dentures
Dentures can be fixed or removable, partial or full, and implant supported or not.
A denture replaces multiple missing teeth. Fixed dentures require implants, while removable dentures may or may not rely on implants for attachment.
Traditional Dentures
Full Dentures for the Edentulous Patient:
(Missing All Teeth in Either the Upper or Lower Arch)
Traditional dentures are removable, and do not use implants. Traditional dentures include an acrylic base that is custom-made in the dental laboratory to mimic the appearance of natural gums, and this base sits over the gums, holding the denture in place. A complete (full) denture is made after all the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. Denture paste or adhesive is often to used to assist in holding the denture in place. Removable dentures can be removed and cleaned when not being worn.
Partial Dentures for the Patient Missing Multiple Teeth in One Arch:
A traditional partial denture is a removable solution for replacing many teeth in one arch when there are still some natural teeth present. Removable Partial Dentures are customized to fit each individualized patient. They are made of a hardened composite material held into the prosthesis with a gum-colored acrylic.
Removable Denture design is extremely patient/case specific and therefore the most subjective of all dental treatments. Well-made dentures can look very pleasing however, function is the biggest variable. Some patients tolerate the movement of a removable denture very well and can eat and speak perfectly. Others have difficulty and limited function. The alternative involves multiple dental implants positioned to support a fixed restoration.
Traditional partial dentures can be removed and cleaned when not being worn. They require periodic adjustments to balance the bite and to realign for proper fit to the patient's ridge. As the teeth wear, they may need to be refabricated – typically every 7 to 10 years.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implants can be used to anchor dentures in place, allowing for a smaller base and less shifting of the prosthesis during use. Implants can support both full and partial dentures as well as both fixed and removable dentures.