Complete Denture

When a person is missing teeth, he or she may experience a variety of problems. The person may become less confident in their smile and have difficulty speaking and eating certain foods. DWP provides custom made dentures to replace a person’s missing teeth and restore the appearance and oral functions that were lost. The denture can be either a full denture or a partial denture. A full denture is used when all of the person’s teeth are missing and a partial denture is used when only some of the teeth are missing.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can either be made with a plastic base or a metal framework that supports the number of teeth that need to be replaced. It is held in the mouth by using clasps and rests that are carefully adapted around the natural teeth. The partial denture that uses a metal framework is the traditional design, due to the rigidity and strength of the metal. Plastic partial dentures have normally been used as emergency or temporary replacements of missing teeth, allowing the gums and bone to heal before a definitive restorative solution is obtained. Recently, however, various materials such as Valplast have been developed to provide durable, flexible alternatives in certain situations.

Implant-supported denture

Implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants. A regular denture rests on the gums, and is not supported by implants.

An implant-supported denture is used when a person doesn’t have any teeth in the jaw, but has enough bone in the jaw to support implants. An implant-supported denture has special attachments that snap onto attachments on the implants.

Implant-supported dentures usually are made for the lower jaw because regular dentures tend to be less stable there. Usually, a regular denture made to fit an upper jaw is quite stable on its own and doesn’t need the extra support offered by implants. However, you can receive an implant-supported denture in either the upper or lower jaw.

See More About General Dentistry

---

Dentures FAQ

What is an implant-supported denture?

An implant-supported denture is a permanent solution to missing teeth that screws into a healthy jaw bone. Although typically placed on only the bottom jaw, patients can have them put on both the top and bottom. To get implant-supported dentures, the patient must have a strong and healthy jaw-bone. If severe bone loss has occurred, it will not be able to hold the dentures properly.

How should I care for my dentures?

Remove your dentures after eating

You must make sure to clean your dentures after eating to avoid bacteria growth. After eating, it is recommended that you take out your dentures, rinse off food particles, lightly brush your gums with a toothbrush, and then place them back into your mouth.

Soak your dentures overnight

To keep their shape, dentures need to be soaked in water overnight. You can also buy OTC denture soak tablets to use instead of water. Keeping dentures moist ensures their snug fit in your mouth.

Brush your dentures daily

Just like with teeth, dentures need to be cleaned daily as well. Brushing your dentures at least once a day with a soft-bristled brush will remove plaque buildup.

Are dentures painful?

When you first get your dentures, you may experience mild pain for the first few days. If you are having consistent pain, schedule an appointment with our team so we can exam the denture’s fit. We recommend that you take your dentures out overnight to let your gums rest and decrease the chance of discomfort.