A partial denture is needed when there is still natural teeth remaining either in the lower or upper arch. A partial denture may be tooth-supported or tooth-and tissue-supported. There are significant differences between theses two types of dentures. The position, stability and number of remaining teeth are only a few of the factors that help to determine what style or type of partial denture would be best for you. Partials can be made of different materials, including acrylics, a metal/acrylic combination or flexible thermoplastics. The images below show both arcylic and cast-metal partials offered by our clinic:

Acrylic partials are usually used as a transitional or temporary replacement of missing teeth, depending on your personal circumstances. The metal/acrylic partial, commonly called a cast partial, is usually a more rigid and permanent style of denture. The metal is either a highly compatible chrome cobalt alloy or titanium, which are both ultra thin, light and very strong. The new flexible thermoplastics have the advantage of esthetics and flexibility, but may not be suitable for all situations. All partials are designed to be removable and should be removed nightly to contribute to a healthy oral environment.

Properly designed partial dentures do not harm remaining natural teeth. A partial denture may prevent your natural teeth from shifting or drifting into the space left by the loss of a natural tooth. In fact, a partial denture may help maintain the position of your natural teeth by providing them with additional support.

To avoid the situation of being without teeth, we can use the immediate denture technique. This involves taking impressions of your mouth while your natural teeth are still present. Your denturist is then able to fabricate a denture in the likeness of your natural teeth, or make any necessary modifications you may wish. When your natural teeth are extracted, your immediate denture is then inserted. With this technique, you have avoided having to go without any teeth while you go through the healing process.

Since your Denturist is unable to try-in the denture prior to extracting your teeth, certain esthetic compromises may be necessary. This doesn’t present any significant problems, and the results are normally quite good. It is important to follow the postoperative instructions of your Denturist or oral surgeon very carefully.

As healing occurs, the oral tissues recede so denture adjustments should be expected and is normal. Follow-up appointments with your Denturist are likely necessary. To maintain the best fit and comfort, a temporary liner or tissue conditioner may be placed in the denture. During the next few months, bone and gum tissue will likely continue to shrink to some degree; however, the rate of change decreases with time. This a natural occurrence, which is to be expected. As the healing process is complete, either a new permanent full denture will be made or your denture will be relined or rebased to ensure the most comfortable fit possible. Your Denturist will recommend the option that best meets your particular needs.

The Implant Retained Denture is the most technically advanced denture treatment possible today. The treatment consists of a titanium cylinder or screw that is surgically placed beneath the gum and directly into the bone tissue where it then bonds and fuses. A temporary attachment can be placed to mold the gums and create a more natural look. A full or partial denture is then custom made to attach to the screws.

By far the biggest problem with ordinary dentures is that they sit on top of your gums and they don’t stimulate bone growth. Your natural teeth have roots that penetrate into your jaw bone. Bone mass grows around the roots of your teeth. When you lose your teeth, the underlying bone begins to deteriorate rapidly and this is what gives the “sunken” look often seen with denture wearers. This process that will continue indefinitely, is called bone resorption and the reason why dentures need to be continually relined/remade over time as your tissue changes with your bone structure.

Implant supported dentures resolves this problem by not only simulating your teeth; but takes it a step further and simulates the roots of your teeth. When dental implants are put into place, to anchor your dentures, bone begins to grow around the implant. This process is called osseointegration. Osseointegration not only keeps your implants secure, but it also fills out the part of the jaw that would have ‘sunken’ without support of the bone. Implant retained dentures combine the security of Dental Implants with the cost effectiveness of Dentures.

Although your Denturist cannot place implants, he/she can design and fit the prosthetics for them, suggest a surgeon to place them and co-ordinate the entire treatment plan. In short, dental implants are a substitute for tooth roots and form a stable foundation to retain, or even support, a Denture. Implants can provide exceptional support for full and partial dentures, since the implants integrate with the bone to act as an anchor for the replacement teeth.

Dental implants can help provide the closest possible replacement for natural teeth, and the best way to restore your natural smile. The cost of these implants has become very affordable. Ask us about how dental implants might be the right solution for you. Our clinic works with one of the best and experienced Oral Surgeons specializing in implant dentistry.

Benefits of Dental Implants:

• Improved Ability to eat
• Increased denture stability
• Prevention of bone loss
• Reduction in tissue resorption