DENTURES
COMPLETE DENTURES
A complete denture is an appliance that replaces the full compliment of teeth in your upper or lower jaw and provides support for the cheeks and lips.
​Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways.
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​A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.
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An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
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A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.
The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination thereof. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically (root canal) treated teeth with attachments or can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance, as well as preserves the bone.
Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink over time due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.
Your prosthodontist has expert training in the complex anatomy of the jaws, phonetics of your speech and smile design. This knowledge will allow them to create a beautiful, well-fitting denture just for you.
PARTIAL DENTURES
A removable partial denture is designed specifically to meet the needs of the patient and can replace one or more missing teeth. Partial dentures restore the natural look of your teeth and face while improving you ability to eat and function.
Partial dentures are created out of a metal and acrylic composition or completely out of acrylic. A patient’s specific needs and anatomy dictate the design of the partial denture and every effort is made to construct a self-cleansing partial denture that preserves the remaining teeth and oral tissues.
Our prosthodontist will design your partial denture so that the chewing forces are evenly distributed over the entire surface area of the remaining teeth and soft tissues.
Implant Supported Overdentures
An implant supported overdenture is a contemporary restoration that has revolutionized the way dentists think of replacing teeth. Standard dentures are unsecured prostheses with inherent limitations.
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Dentures can be uncomfortable and unstable. Such dentures can make chewing foods difficult, limiting the foods that you once enjoyed. Modern dentistry can help with implant overdentures. The implants also support the bone around them, reducing shrinkage over time. Implant-supported overdentures stay connected with bar and clip attachment methods or use a variety of abutment-based attachments (such as Locators). The most appropriate attachment system for your individual needs relates to a variety of factors that is determined early in the treatment.
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Typically, a temporary set of teeth can be placed on the same day of surgery. The temporary teeth allow you to lead a normal life immediately after surgery. After a short healing period, your dentist will place the final denture and connect it to the implants. Your quality of life is improved, and you can start enjoying your favorite foods again with renewed confidence. This approach can also be extremely beneficial with partial dentures as well.
ADVANTAGES
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A cost effective solution. When compared to some other implant supported restorations, your new replacement teeth require fewer implants per jaw. With fewer implants required, the cost is lowered.
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Reduced need for bone grafting. The placement of two or more implants ensures a secure and stable anchorage for the complete denture, often making bone grafting unnecessary.
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Faster treatment and healing time. Your replacement teeth can be attached to your implants immediately after healing.
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Implant overdentures have had fantastic clinical outcomes from decade long studies with favorable results. Ask your prosthodontist about implants used to support dentures.