Dentures

Complete and Partial Dentures

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one's natural teeth, today's dentures are very natural looking.

At our office, we offer complete dentures and partial dentures. A complete denture is one that replaces all of the teeth in the upper or lower arch. A partial denture is made when you still have some of your natural teeth remaining. It only replaces the teeth that are missing and uses clasps on several remaining teeth to help hold it in place while speaking and eating.

The fit, comfort and stability of a denture is related to many things. Some of these factors include:

The amount of bone or ridge height available for support.

If the roof of the mouth has a high vault or is broad and flat.

The relationship between the upper and lower jaw.

The nature of the tissue that the denture rests on (firm or flabby, thick or thin, dense or delicate)

Does the patient have good saliva flow or do they suffer from "dry mouth".

Patient Expectations

This can be one of the most difficult aspects. We take considerable time educating our first time denture patients that a denture is NOT real teeth. A denture is not anchored in bone like teeth, it moves when you chew, there will be foods you have difficulty eating or can no longer eat. The amount of bite force you can generate with a conventional denture is up to 70% less than with natural teeth. This is because your gum tissue is between bone and the denture acrylic- talk about being between a rock and a hard place! This is often why a patient who is having difficulty with a denture thinks there is a problem with the denture itself. They will frequently state that a relative, co-worker or friend who also has a denture "can eat anything they want". Everyone is different.

Implant Supported Overdenture

Fortunately, with today's dental technology we can overcome many of the difficulties by supporting and retaining a denture or partial with dental implants. For individuals with a complete denture, dental implants give you back the stability and retention you have been dreaming of! No longer is your denture sliding around while you eat the foods you enjoy. You can again have the confidence to laugh and talk without the fear of your denture coming loose. The mess of pastes and powders are no longer necessary.