Complete and partial dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore oral function. A complete denture is fabricated when a patient is missing all of their teeth. It can be made as a conventional denture or as a hybrid that locks onto implants. Bone is in a constant process of turnover. It resorbs itself and then forms new bone in its place. When teeth are missing bone no longer receives the stimulus it needs to keep regenerating which leads to bone loss over time. For patients that wear complete dentures it is common to need to reline (add material to) the internal surface periodically to ensure a good fit. 

Partial dentures are a removable option that can be made with acrylic bonded to a cast metal frame or in a flexible, thermoplastic material. Partial dentures are customized to only replace teeth that are missing and utilize teeth next to an empty space as anchors to retain it. Partial dentures can be worn comfortably throughout the day but need to be removed at night, allowing the gum tissue it covers a chance to rest. It should also be removed and rinsed after eating to help prevent cavities from forming on the teeth that anchor them. 

Both complete and partial dentures can help support your lips and cheeks to prevent the appearance of sagging that can occur after tooth loss. They also help improve the ability to chew and prevent your remaining teeth from drifting. For patients who are interested in dentures we’re happy to discuss all options available.