Dentures
Dentures can be fixed or removable, partial or full, and implant supported or not.
A denture is a replacement for multiple missing teeth within the same (upper or lower) arch. A denture differs from a crown or bridge in that it does not rely on an existing tooth structure, and it completely replaces the missing teeth.
There are several different types of dentures:
- Full or Partial
- Removable or Fixed
- Traditional Dentures
- Implant-Supported Dentures
Traditional Dentures
Full Dentures for the Edentulous Patient:
(Missing All Teeth in Either the Upper or Lower Arch)
When a patient is missing all of their teeth in either the upper or lower arch, they may require full or partial traditional dentures. Traditional dentures are removable and include a custom-made acrylic base which mimics the appearance of natural gums; they do not use implants. This base sits over the gums, holding the denture in place. A complete (full) denture is made after all the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. Denture paste or adhesive is often used to assist in holding the denture in place. Removable dentures can be removed and cleaned when not being worn.
A traditional partial denture is a removable solution for replacing many teeth in one arch when there are still some natural teeth present. In this case, the acrylic base will also contain some metal attachments that wrap around the existing teeth for added support. Partial dentures can also be attached to crowns on either side of the denture. Removable partial dentures can be removed and cleaned when not being worn.
Partial Dentures for the Patient Missing Multiple Teeth in One Arch:
A traditional partial denture is a removable solution for replacing many teeth in one arch when there are still some natural teeth present. In this case, the acrylic base will also contain some metal attachments that wrap around the existing teeth for added support. Partial dentures can also be attached to crowns on either side of the denture. Removable partial dentures can be removed and cleaned when not being worn.
Implant Supported Dentures
For individuals who are missing many or all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures may be an alternative to traditional dentures. Eligibility for this solution is dependent upon a number of factors, with jaw bone density being one of the most significant determining factors.
This solution requires the placement of two or more implants. In order to replace a full arch denture, a minimum of four implants is generally recommended. Traditional dentures rely on an acrylic base that sits directly on the gums, held in place by a paste or adhesive. Using implants as supports for dentures allows for a smaller and more comfortable base and less shifting of the prosthesis during use.
Implants can support both full and partial dentures as well as both fixed and removable dentures. If a removable denture is selected, the denture will “snap” on to the implant rather than requiring the use of denture paste or adhesives.