Types of Dentures
Which Denture is right for you?
Types of Dentures
Which Denture is right for you?
Learn about the Denture that May be Right for You
Partial Dentures
When a person has lost some but not all of their teeth, a partial denture
may be the desired treatment choice. In this situation, partial
dentures can provide a simple and attractive way to replace missing teeth.
Partial dentures are created from an impression of your teeth and gum which
ensures a synonymous fit with the rest of your mouth.
These appliances are designed to fill in the empty spaces, and to ensure an
attractive, gap-free smile. Teeth are selected to match
your remaining teeth and complement your individual appearance.Special care
is taken to match the size, shape, and color to that
of your natural teeth. The result is a seamless replacement that can blend in
with your natural teeth.
Retained by small clasps that engage the teeth, the denture will secure itself
in your mouth. In the right situation, if properly designed
and constructed, your partial denture will be both comfortable to wear and will
function in accord with your remaining natural teeth.
Partial dentures will also help to maintain the spacing of your natural teeth.
When teeth are lost or removed, the remaining teeth will
often shift to eventually fill the gap created by the lost tooth. This change
in teeth spacing can affect the way you bite. This can lead
to numerous problems, such Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems that could
cause headaches, ear aches, clicking or popping
sounds, or even difficulty moving your jaw. Partial dentures aim to prevent
these problems by working to keep your remaining teeth
in their natural position.
There are three types of partial dentures offered in our office:
Conventional Partial Dentures
These have metal
frameworks and metal clasps that snap over certain remaining teeth to gain support.
Hidden Partial Dentures
These partial dentures
are made to show as little metal as possible. Either the clasps are designed
in a way to
minimize their appearance, or "attachments" are used. These are little
devices buried in the denture that lock into crowns for stability,
but are not visible to other people.
Flexite Partial Dentures -
These are all
acrylic partial dentures that have either pink, white or clear acrylic clasps.
The clasps almost become
invisible because they blend in so well.
Overdentures
These are dentures that rest on top of any short, remaining teeth in the mouth.
Frequently, these teeth need endodontic treatment
(root canal therapy). They can then be modified or protected. This is an excellent
option when there are still existing teeth that may
not be able to support the functions of the mouth alone.
Full Dentures
When a patient has no teeth, dentures are the first treatment choice to help
restore some of the function and of your teeth.
Immediate Dentures
When infected teeth have to be removed, an immediate denture is the first step
to reactivating your smile.
Implant Retained Dentures
These are dentures that rest on top of surgically placed implants.
Only you and your denture doctor can determine what's best for you.