Dentures / Partials
IMAGINE HAVING A NEW PARTIAL OR COMPLETE DENTURE THAT FITS AND FEELS LIKE YOUR REAL TEETH!
Everyone wants a beautiful smile - especially those individuals that are replacing their natural teeth with partial or full dentures. They want to take advantage of their "second chance" to have a great smile!
Using the latest techniques, quality materials and the use of quality dental laboratories, Dr. Malone has been crafting custom-made removable dental appliances for over twenty five years. Close attention is given to creating partials and dentures that are not only attractive, but are comfortable, promote proper chewing function and properly support the lips and facial structures.
REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE
A partial denture is a removable prosthetic appliance. When some of the teeth have been lost or will be lost shortly, a partial denture may be the treatment of choice for their replacement. A partial denture can provide a simple and attractive way to replace missing teeth economically.
Partial dentures are created from an impression (mold) of your teeth and gums. These appliances are designed to fill in the empty spaces of missing teeth areas. Denture 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.
A partial denture is retained by small clasps that engage around the teeth (see above right). Certain teeth are used as “anchors” to support the partial denture so that it remains in place while chewing and talking. Partial dentures will help to maintain the spacing of your natural teeth.
There are different types of partial denture designs. Sometimes the metal clasps (see above) that secure the partial denture in place could be noticeable when talking or smiling. In these cases, a concealed attachment is used in the place of a visible clasp. The result is more aesthetically pleasing and more natural-looking. The picture below shows the use of concealed attachments. Veneers were also placed on the front teeth.
VISABLE CLASPSCONCEALED ATTACHMENTS
Over a patient's lifetime, periodic follow-up appointments will be needed to check the fit of the denture. The shape of the mouth changes over time, which can cause a partial denture to shift in position or to become uncomfortable. Because the gum ridge slowly shrinks over time, it is necessary to “reline” the partial denture to fill in the space underneath. Gum-colored acrylic is added to the tissue-bearing surface to improve the fit and stability.
A well-made and regularly maintained partial denture can last for several years.
COMPLETE DENTURES
Complete dentures are used to replace all of the teeth in either the upper jaw, the lower jaw or both. Dentures are not only important for proper chewing and nutrition, but serve an equally important function for speech and facial appearance.
TRADITIONAL DENTURES VERSUS IMMEDIATE DENTURES
Traditionally, when a first-time denture is made, the teeth are removed and the gum pad areas are allowed to heal before beginning the denture-making process. A healing period is necessary because some shrinkage of the gums occurs, which affects the fit of the denture. However, most patients are unwilling or unable to go without any teeth for several weeks. Instead, they opt for a procedure known as immediate dentures.
Rather than waiting for healing, the denture is made before all of the teeth are removed. Then, when the denture is completed, it is placed immediately after the teeth are removed, usually at the same appointment. The immediate denture procedure makes it possible to never go without any front teeth. However, since no time was allowed for healing, the denture becomes loose and must be relined within three to nine months. The reline process is necessary to fill in the gaps in the denture base as a result of healing and shrinkage of the gums.
IMPLANT RETAINED DENTURES
The retention of traditional complete dentures depend on the existing gum pads where the natural teeth used to be. The less gum ridge that is available, the more difficult it is to keep the dentures stable. This is particularly true of the lower jaw. Even the best fitting dentures can be challenging to wear if there are also psychological limitations or barriers.
SHRINKING LOWER JAW
Over the years, the gum pads slowly shrink away. The younger a person is when they lose their natural teeth, the more the gums shrink since there are more years for this to occur.
When the dentures become unstable, it is preferable to place dental implants in order to secure the denture in place.
BEFORE IMPLANT PLACEMENTIMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURE
Implant supported dentures have many advantages:
- Stay in place with no movement, allowing you to chew all types of food.
- Are smaller and lighter in weight than a traditional denture in most cases.
- Do not require coverage of the palate (roof of the mouth).
- Do not require the use of messy dental adhesives.
- Give you the confidence to speak without worry of moving or coming loose.
- Allow you to eat the foods you like.