If you are missing multiple teeth, a removable complete or partial denture may be an option for you. A complete denture is used to replace all teeth and a partial denture replaces some of the teeth while using your remaining teeth to anchor the partial. Before a complete or partial denture is completed an appropriate examination is required.
Complete dentures fit over the ridges (gum tissues) where the teeth were previously. If there is adequate height to these ridges, dentures can be more easily retained and less likely to move around or come out when eating or speaking. Because there is no teeth to support a complete denture, it rests completely on the soft gum tissue, thus a complete denture always will exhibit some movement when eating. If you have problems with a denture staying in place, implants are an option to consider to help secure the denture. A complete denture can help restore function and esthetics. It is very important to know that even though there are not teeth present, routine dental examination is still recommended to complete an oral cancer screening and to ensure that your denture is still fitting properly. Throughout your lifetime, the bone and soft tissues in our mouth’s will change and a reline of your denture will likely be needed depending how quickly this occurs. Keeping a good fitting denture will help ensure that you denture lasts and also help keep the tissues in your mouth healthy.
Partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth while using other teeth in our mouth to support it. It is a removable device and must be taken out each night. The partial denture is usually made of a metal or resin base with artificial teeth embedded in pink acrylic. The denture is retained in the mouth by clasps that hook around the other teeth in your mouth. Depending on which kind of partial denture is recommended for you, the clasps may be metal or tooth colored resin. To accommodate these clasps, the teeth that they hook onto will usually need to be adjusted or ground down slightly. Ensuring long term success will require routine checkups and exams. There is extra force that the clasps will apply to the teeth while supporting your partial, so making sure these teeth stay healthy is very important. Identifying problems early is key to prevent tooth loss which will affect the fit of your partial. If you have a partial denture that is loose, implants may be an option to help secure it.
Do you have questions about dentures or other services we offer? Contact us today and we look forward to helping you!
