Services

Dentures/Partials

Replacing missing teeth is an important step in maintaining a healthy smile. When teeth are missing, the remaining ones can change position, drifting into the surrounding space. Teeth that are out of position can damage tissues in the mouth. There are two main ways to replace missing teeth with removable appliances: dentures and partial dentures. Fixed methods also are available and include bridges and implants which are described in another link. A combination of a denture with implants also is available.

Dentures

If you've lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and restore your smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You'll be able to eat and speak—activities that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.

There are various types of complete dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which may take several months. An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient's jaws during preliminary visits. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

Dentures also can be made and used with implants. Several implants are placed in the jawbone and the denture is fabricated to “snap” into the implants. This option provides increased retention and stability for denture.

Your denture will not last a lifetime. A denture will serve the average wearer approximately five years. As we age, bone loss occurs which loosens the fit of dentures and significant bone loss can mean that you will be unable to wear a denture. So that we may monitor bone loss and the fit of your denture, we recommend annual check-ups.

Partial dentures

Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by a metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than metal clasps and they are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments.

Brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily help prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease that can lead to tooth loss. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture's metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay.