Dentures

Dentures are a replacement for some or all of the natural teeth. They help to restore natural contours to the face, speech and aid in eating. There are two types of dentures:  partial and full dentures.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace missing teeth when some of the natural dentition is still in place.  This type of replacement is dependent on having some key teeth remaining to give proper support  to the denture. It is held in place by clasps placed on these key teeth giving stability and vertical resistance to displacement. This stability is the main advantage over the full denture.  In some cases, implants may be used  to replace missing teeth eliminating the need for a removable prosthesis (denture). There are some problems with partial dentures that you need to know about before you proceed with treatment.

1. Partial dentures should be removed and cleaned after each meal. Failure to clean the denture will result in a higher rate of decay and gum disease around the remaining teeth.
2. Partial dentures collect food under the base of the denture when eating.
3. Sticky foods can dislodge the denture.
4. There are some limitations to the type of foods that can be chewed well.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are replacements for the natural dentition when all the natural teeth are missing. If you are considering full dentures, there are some things that you should know before removing your natural teeth.

1. 30% of the chewing force is lost with an upper denture and an additional 40% is lost with a lower denture.
2. Food easily collects under the full denture sometimes requiring removal of the denture and food to continue eating.
3. Full dentures, like partials dentures, should be removed and cleaned after each meal.
4. Full dentures are not a end to dental treatment but the beginning of a different kind of treatment.
5. Bone loss under dentures cause the dentures to become unstable and loose.  This requires relining of the dentures to adapt the denture to the shape of the tissues.
6. Lower dentures are generally loose and movable.  They are easily dislodged by the lips. cheeks, tongue and floor of the mouth.  Unlike the upper denture, there is no suction to hold them in place.
7. Denture teeth and denture bases can fracture and need to be repaired.

Both full and partial dentures can be combined with implants to improve stability. See Implants for more information.