Full & Partial Dentures: Boost Your Smile and Health
Missing teeth impact both your appearance and oral health. Whether caused by trauma, periodontal infection, or decay, dentures can offer a healthier and more attractive smile. You can choose between full dentures or partial dentures based on your specific needs.
- Make eating and chewing more comfortable
- Improve clarity of speech
- Support the cheeks and lips for a healthier, more youthful appearance
- For partial dentures, prevent remaining teeth from shifting
- Restore self-confidence
- Achieve a natural-looking smile
Your dentist will evaluate your gums, jawbone, and remaining teeth to determine if dentures are the right solution for you and whether full or partial dentures would best meet your needs. Custom dentures are crafted in specialized labs using a variety of materials, with factors such as suitability, durability, aesthetics, and cost influencing the final choice.
Full Dentures: Precision and Aesthetics
Full dentures replace all the teeth on the upper and/or lower jaw. To ensure a precise fit, your dentist will take detailed impressions and measurements of your gums and mouth. They will also assess how your jaws align to ensure the dentures do not affect your bite. Additionally, the shape of your face and lips will be considered to create a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Conventional Dentures
Conventional full dentures are made after the gums and jawbone have fully healed from tooth extractions, which usually takes several months. In the meantime, temporary dentures can be used to preserve function and appearance.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are prepared before any extractions and can be placed right away, so you don’t have to wait for the gums and jawbone to heal. Because the gums and jawbone may shrink after tooth loss, multiple adjustments may be needed over several months to ensure a comfortable fit. Immediate dentures are generally used as a temporary solution.
Implant Supported Dentures
Dental implants are initially surgically inserted into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone over several months. Once the implants are securely integrated, removable dentures are created to attach to the implants. Alternatively, fixed dentures can be attached using special screws that only a dentist can remove. This method provides a secure fit and, as implants stimulate the jawbone similar to natural tooth roots, helps prevent bone loss.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace several missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw and generally require healthy adjacent teeth for secure placement. Unlike bridges, which are permanently attached to neighboring teeth, partial dentures are removable and are held in place with various types of attachments.
Clasp Attachments
A common type of partial denture uses a metal clasp that wraps around a supporting tooth to keep the denture securely in place. These clasps may be visible when you speak or smile.
Precision Attachments
Small interlocking metal components on both the partial denture and adjacent teeth provide a discreet and secure fit. These dentures may require crowns on the neighboring teeth and can be more expensive than clasp attachments.
Flexible Partial Dentures
Made from thermoplastic material, flexible dentures have translucent, gum-colored extensions that blend seamlessly around the base of the teeth near the gumline.
Implant-Supported Partial Dentures
Partial dentures use stud or clip attachments to secure the denture firmly to the dental implants.
Denture Care
Dentures, like natural teeth, require daily care. Your dentist can advise you on the best cleaning routine, including the type of soft brush, non-abrasive cleaner, and soaking solution to effectively remove plaque and bacteria.
If you experience any discomfort or notice damage, report it to your dentist promptly. Regular checkups are crucial to ensure your dentures fit properly and your gums and oral tissues stay healthy.
Whether you choose dentures, bridges, or implants, replacing missing teeth will restore function and improve the appearance of your smile. Discuss your questions, concerns, and options with your dentist to determine if dentures are the right choice for you.
