Dentures

Dentures are custom-made prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth, and typically supported by surrounding teeth (if there are any), soft and hard tissue, and/or implants.

Dentures can be fixed or removable, and can come in many different forms, as described below.

A partial denture is a removable device used to replace several missing teeth but not all the teeth.  Partial dentures can be made of different materials, including Flexible/Valplast material, cast metal with acrylic, and acrylic material.  

Flexible partials are softer than metal or acrylic partials, and are less noticeable than metal and acrylic.  The clasps are typically gum colored or clear and they are more comfortable to wear.

Implant-supported dentures refer to dentures that seat on the gums through dental implants. 

They are ideal for patients with loose-fitting dentures, as the dental implants provide stability and comfort. 

Dental implants are placed in the jaw.  Special attachments are placed on the inside of the denture that seat on  the implants. The denture then snaps into place on the implants, allowing for a more stable fit.

Some benefits of implant-supported dentures include: 

-more confidence when eating, talking, or laughing in public; these dentures are less likely to slip or fall out

-greater comfort due to greater stability

-more natural feeling than traditional complete dentures

-less irritation of gum tissue 

- less bulky than traditional complete dentures

- typically no need for denture adhesives

If you have lost or are about to lose all your teeth on either the top or the bottom, you may be a good candidate for fixed dentures.  Fixed dentures consist of fake teeth that replace all your missing teeth in either the top or bottom of your mouth, and are held in by dental implants.

Fixed dentures are not removable by the patient and stay in place when eating, drinking, and speaking. They do not need denture adhesives, and do not rock or slip.  They look and feel like natural teeth.  Fixed dentures are more sleek than implant-supported dentures, and the most ideal form of tooth replacement for patients missing all their teeth.

Complete dentures are a removable device that replace all of your natural teeth. They are custom  fitted for your top or bottom gum line, and are held in place by suction and/or the help of an oral adhesive. 

Flipper dentures are acrylic removable partial dentures that can be used to fill gaps in your smile. These dentures typically have one or more prosthetic teeth, and are commonly used to replace missing front teeth.  

Temporary Dentures, also known as immediate dentures, are acrylic prosthetic devices made to replace teeth temporarily while the gums heal after an extraction.  They are usually made due to cosmetic concerns and to replace missing front teeth while the gums heal.  Once healing is complete, a long-term denture is made.

If you are interested in dentures, please call us at 301-916-5800 to schedule a consultation!