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Dentures and Partial Dentures

An important step in maintaining a healthy smile is to replace missing teeth. When teeth are missing, the remaining ones can change position, drifting into the surrounding space.  In addition, it may be difficult to clean between crooked teeth. As a result, you run the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to the loss of additional teeth. A denture or partial denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth.

Dentures are usually fabricated from acrylic materials but may occasionally incorporate the use of other materials.  There are various types of complete dentures.  A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after all 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.  With immediate dentures, the patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

A removable partial denture fills in the space created by missing teeth and fills out your smile.  Though dental implants are the state-of-the-art treatment to replace teeth, partial dentures are a less costly alternative.  Both types of dentures help you to properly chew food, a difficult task when you are missing teeth.  In addition, a denture may improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks.

See other restorative services:

Composite fillings
Crowns
Fixed bridges
Implants
Root canal
Dentures and Partial Dentures

Images from The American Academy of Periodontology.