Restorative Dentistry

Partials and Dentures

Despite the advances in implant placement, sometimes due to bone loss and other factors, implants or even bridges are not viable options to replace missing teeth.  Cost can also factor in when multiple teeth, possibly in both upper and lower arches are involved.  In these instances, a partial or full denture can be made.  Partial dentures are made when there are still some healthy and strong teeth remaining, which can be used to help support and stabilize the partial denture.  In return, the partial denture provides additional teeth to chew with, thereby relieving some of the pressure and stress on the remaining teeth.  A full denture is used when there are no solid and healthy teeth left and all the teeth must be removed.  Most patients acclimate fairly quickly to removable dentures, but if additional stability is needed, sometimes a couple of dental implants can be placed to help stabilize and support a denture.  Dentures made today often can be made to look as good or better than the teeth they are replacing, and can certainly be considered as an option of a comprehensive treatment plan if multiple teeth are missing.