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Custom Dentures

A denture is a removable appliance that is inserted into the mouth, replacing natural teeth and providing support for the cheeks and lips. Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways.

A conventional denture is made after all of the teeth have been extracted and the tissues and gum area has healed. An immediate denture is fabricated prior to the extractions and then placed immediately after the extraction procedure has been performed, allowing the tissues to heal underneath. An upper denture will typically have a flesh colored acrylic that covers the palate (roof of the mouth), while a lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe leaving room for the tongue. The denture teeth are made of plastic or porcelain or a combination thereof. Full dentures are held in place against the gums by suction or by denture adhesives.

With today’s technology, we can create natural-looking, attractive dentures that will help you chew and speak with ease. These custom dentures can reduce any anxiety you have about missing teeth and allow you to go about your daily activities with confidence.

A removable partial denture is custom designed for each individual and contains as many replacement teeth as needed to fill in gaps left by missing teeth. Your partial will complete your smile and prevent existing teeth from drifting out of position, as well as giving you the functionality to chew. You’ll look better, feel better about yourself, and enjoy all of the benefits of a strong, healthy smile. Partials are attached to healthy neighboring teeth with unobtrusive clasps.

Dentures and partial dentures will wear over time and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will gradually change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Our office recommends having the appliance relined once every 3 years for the best fit. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.

Implant Retained Dentures

For patients with missing teeth, dental implants are the most lifelike tooth replacement option, not only in terms of appearance but also function. A dental implant replaces both the crown of a missing tooth as well as the root. By replacing both, a dental implant provides a stable foundation for a functional tooth restoration. In addition, the implant performs the important function of promoting healthy bone tissue growth. Without a root in place, your jawbone begins to deteriorate, which can eventually lead to an altered facial appearance.
If you have a missing tooth then you may be facing a number of challenges. First, there is the appearance of a gaping hole in your smile. You may also find that you are unable to eat certain foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables that are important to a healthy diet. Speaking may be more difficult and certain words may be harder to enunciate. Together, these challenges can add up to lowered self-esteem and confidence. A dental implant can eliminate these challenges and give you back your whole smile.

Implants serve as artificial roots for missing teeth and prevent bone loss by protecting your remaining teeth from shifting. A dental implant is a small titanium post, made of biocompatible material, surgically placed into the jawbone by an oral surgeon. The implant and your bone tissue seamlessly fuse together in a process called osseointegration. Following implant placement and healing period, the next step is an implant restoration at our practice. During implant restorations, a porcelain crown, bridge, or denture is fixed onto the post implanted in the jaw.  The implant restoration eliminates embarrassing gaps, helping you speak and chew with confidence.

Full dentures are typically held in place against the gums by suction or by denture adhesives. In some cases, there is not enough bone present to hold the denture in place with suction.  When this happens, we recommend having implants so that the denture can be securely held into place. Dentures can be custom made to attach to the implants in order to provide a more secure fit.

A dental implant requires the same hygiene care as your other teeth. Just brush and floss daily and your dental implant will give you years of confident smiles and good oral health. All of our dentists have extensive experience with implant restorations. Implant restorations can have an enormous impact on your life. Your new smile can improve your self-confidence and help you enjoy everyday activities like eating the foods you love.