DENTURES AND PARTIALS

Complete Dentures

Need help choosing between dentures and partials? Most dentures can be fabricated two different ways. Dr. Erickson can help find the right solution if you are in need of dentures.

A conventional denture is made after all the teeth have been extracted and the gums have healed. An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the gums are allowed to heal under the denture. Each type of denture has its advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Erickson will be happy to explain how these pros and cons will affect you personally if dentures are an option for you.

An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate. A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue. Denture teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination thereof. Dentures can be fabricated to it over teeth that have had root canals or they can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit.

Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for oral cancer and other diseases and the dentures can be evaluated for proper fit and function.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures, often called partials, are simply that. They are dental prostheses that replace missing teeth while avoiding remaining natural teeth. They are much more stable than complete dentures because they utilize remaining natural teeth to hold the partial in place. They are a good option if you have many missing teeth and fixed bridges or implants are too expensive. Many different materials can be used depending upon the needs of the area.