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Whether from disease, malnutrition, genetic disorders, or an accident, it is occasionally necessary for patients to have some or all their upper and lower teeth extracted. While this can be upsetting news, partial or full dentures can be fabricated to restore an attractive smile, provide needed support for normal facial contours, and reestablish a highly functional occlusion.
A denture consists of natural-looking artificial teeth set in a supportive base. It may be fabricated to replace either a small group of teeth, an entire upper arch, an entire lower arch, or used to restore both dental arches.
The two main types of dentures are full dentures and partial dentures. Both types are custom fabricated based on the exact specifications obtained from dental impressions and detailed functional as well as esthetic information provided by the dentist. Designed to precisely and comfortably rest on top of the gums, dentures can be taken out of the mouth as needed to maintain the oral hygiene requirements of maintaining the underlying tissues, cleaning the dentures, and sleeping.
Based on the unique requirements of each case, strategically placed implants may be recommended for added denture stability and retention.
A complete denture refers to the replacement of all the teeth in a dental arch. It can be inserted in either of two ways. It can be inserted some weeks after the extraction sites, and other surgical procedures have had a chance to heal, or as an “immediate” denture placed the same day the last remaining teeth are extracted. Although an immediate denture offers the advantage of not having to go without teeth for any length of time, it can require multiple adjustments as the tissues remodel and heal following dental extractions or other surgical procedures.
In situations where some sturdy teeth remain, partial dentures can be fabricated. Partial dentures can achieve adequate retention and stability by having clasps on the teeth surrounding the edentulous areas.
You can count on our office for the best solutions in care to rebuild a complete and beautiful smile. For more information on the replacement of missing teeth and all your options in terms of dental implants, fixed bridges, or dentures, give us a call today.
