Dentures, partial dentures and oral surgery are a necesary part of dentistry. Dentures and partials are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth. They improve chewing ability which is the beginning of the digestive processs, and they enhance facial appearance, thus restoring the patient's smile and self-confidence.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are designed for the patient who is missing all the teeth in a singel arch, whether upper or lower. The soft and hard tissues of the mouth support these appliances. Some patients may opt for non-conventional dentures that may clasp onto existing dental implants. This supplies additional stability fo rthe denture and is expecially helpful with lower dentures in patients who may have insufficient ridge structure. Generally, adapting to a maxillary (upper) denture is a relatively simple and successful process. The mandibular (lower) denture can be a difficult appliance for the patient to learn to wear. Our dentists will work with our patients as they progress through this learning curve and adjustment period.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are constructed to replace teeth missing in an arch when other, natural teet, are still present. The natural teeth provide support to these appliances. There are three general types of partial dentures:
- Resin based: similar to the base of a full denture but contains wires that attach to the remaining teeth to hold it in place.
- Flexible, They are light & comfortable but do wear out faster and are not considered permanent. Flexible dentures have flexable bases and pink clasp to attach to the remaining teeth. The material is a light weight injected nylon that can stain, but adjusts comfortably with the patients body temprature.
- Cast Partial, has a metal base and metal clasps to attach to the remaining teeth. Pink acrylic is placed over the cast metal framework so it resembles the gums. These are rigid and tent to be the most long lasting removable option. In some cases they are servicable with new clasps welded to the base and additional teeth added later.