Dentures and Partial Dentures are devices that can either be removable or fixed and provide both cosmetic and functional benefits to patients when their teeth are missing. Because dental technology continues to improve, dentures and partial dentures are now more comfortable and cosmetically appealing than ever. Realistic looking teeth are molded into shape and contain a pink, gum colored base that sits on the gums. In many cases, it's difficult to see that a patient is wearing their denture. Let's review both options.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also known as Complete Dentures, are devices which are placed when a patient is missing all of his or her teeth. Dentures restore function to a patient's mouth and enables them to eat more comfortably which has proven to provide physical and mental health benefits to the patient as well.
Because it takes time for a dental lab to fabricate a denture, Full, Removable Dentures can either be "Conventional" or "Immediate." We treatment plan either method based on the individual needs of each patient.
Conventional Dentures are treatment planned in a way that allows the patient time to heal after some of their teeth have been removed if needed. During the healing process, which is generally around four to six weeks, the patient goes without teeth. The benefit here is that because the gum tissue has healed, there will be less adjustments to the denture after it has been provided to the patient.
Immediate Dentures are provided immediately after teeth are removed and allows the patient the opportunity to have their teeth during the healing process. This is a benefit to the patient; however, more adjustments to the denture will be necessary with this option.
Please note: If the patient is Edentulous (missing all of their teeth), the process is the same with the exception of needing to consider healing times. At this point, the patient will only wait for their denture to be fabricated by the dental lab. We can also help repair dentures as well if the denture is still in near-working condition.
Partial Dentures
Partial Dentures are devices that are placed when a patient is missing more teeth than a bridge can support and aren't missing enough teeth to justify the use of a full denture. Partial Dentures allow patients to perform normal activities comfortably again.
Implant Dentures and Partials
Dentures and Partials can also be placed as fixed devices as well with the use of Dental Implants. If there is sufficient bone to support dental implants, the patient can have implants placed and the dentures attached to the implants. This is convenient and comfortable for the patient because the device is secure and doesn't slip. It also looks great and is fairly easy to maintain.
Please contact us with any questions at 281-492-6064.
