Dentures & Partials
A denture is a removable dental appliance and a replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.
What does getting dentures involve?
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over a period of several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.
You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.
Full Denture (Complete Denture)
Complete dentures are custom made and require precise equipment and advanced techniques in design. Information is gathered on your temporomandibular joint and cranium after which the data is send to a precision articulator. This articulator can simulate the movement of your mouth.
The teeth of your dentures are a combination of high technology and craftsmanship, guaranteed to produce teeth that are perfect in shape, color and function.
Partial Denture
Partial dentures are available with and without a palate. They are fitted with teeth the fill the gaps in your natural teeth. Partial dentures are a less-invasive option that also tends to be less expensive than other options for replacing missing teeth. They do require a bit of maintenance but are easy to get used to and, for many patients, do an excellent job of restoring beauty and functionality to that part of their mouth. Daily cleaning of your partial denture is vital but is a simple process that will keep your gums healthy and your partial denture looking great.
Partial dentures are designed to give you all the form and function of natural teeth. It may take some time for you to adjust to your new partial denture, but eventually, you will be able to enjoy most of the foods that you love. You’ll want to begin with soft foods and should take care to chew slowly and on both sides of the mouth. Particularly hard or sticky foods should be avoided.
Implant Supported Denture
During the installation of these dentures, an oral surgeon will surgically attach four to six implants, typically titanium screws, into the patient's jawbone. The screws are then given time to fuse with the patient's jawbone tissue properly. This usually takes anywhere between three to six months. Once the implants are firmly joined to the patient's jawbone, a unique set of dentures is attached to them. Once inserted, these dentures cannot be removed without the assistance of a dentist.
Flipper Tooth (Temporary Partial Denture)
Benefits
There are some upsides to a flipper tooth that make it an attractive prosthetic tooth option. These include:
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Affordability. They’re less expensive than most other types of partial dentures.
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Looks. They appear relatively natural.
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Quick preparation. You won’t have to wait long for your flipper tooth once your dentist takes an impression of your mouth.
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Easy to wear. All you have to do is pop your flipper tooth into your mouth.
Drawbacks
While there are many benefits to using a flipper tooth to fill in gaps in your smile, there are also a few drawbacks. These include:
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Durability. They’re made of less expensive and less durable materials than other dentures and can crack more easily. If you break your flipper tooth, you’ll need a repair or a replacement.
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Discomfort. Your flipper tooth may feel uncomfortable in your mouth, especially when you first begin using it. This can make activities like talking and eating feel unnatural.
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Risk of gum recession. A flipper tooth covers your gums and stops or slows the flow of saliva in that area. Your saliva helps keep your gums clean, which prevents recession.
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May loosen over time. A flipper tooth is made to grip your own existing teeth, but regular use may cause that grip to loosen.