Partial Denture and Dentures

Bridge

A bridge is a single fixed appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. The teeth next  to the missing tooth or teeth are used to hold the bridge in place. A set of artificial crowns connected together are used to replace the missing tooth or teeth and are cemented over the adjacent teeth. Once a bridge is cemented in place it is not removable. The bridge will require special care to clean under with floss and flossing aids. Your dentist or hygienist will demonstrate and explain proper care for your bridge.

The process for a bridge is almost identical to that of an individual crown.

Please note that crowns are not a permanent restoration due to everyday use and the harsh environment of the mouth.  They may need replacement in the future. It is important to care for bridges/crowns like natural teeth as the teeth can still get a cavity after crown placement.

Partial Denture

A partial denture is a removable appliance that replace one or more missing teeth. The teeth are attached to a gum colored plastic to make the appliance look as natural as possible. Our office typically makes two kinds of partials:

The dentist will decide which type of partial is best for each patient. If teeth need to be removed before the partial is made, a 4-6 week healing period is necessary.

The partial process usually consists of 5 appointments:

After the partial is finished it is likely you may have sore spots and adjustments may be necessary to ensure that the partial fits comfortably.

Denture

A denture is a removable appliance that is used when all of the teeth on an arch are missing. The teeth are attached to a gum colored plastic base to make the denture look as natural as possible. Typically dentures on the upper arch stay in place better than dentures on the bottom arch because they have a larger area for the denture to “suction” to. Sometimes an over the counter adhesive may need to be worn to keep the upper and/or lower denture in place.

 

There are two kinds of dentures available at our office. The dentist will work with you to find the best denture for your needs.

Conventional Denture

This denture typically gives patient the most satisfying end result. The teeth are extracted and the mouth is given 6-8 weeks to fully heal.This denture process is done in 4 appointments. After the denture is complete, adjustments may need to be made after the denture has been worn to make the denture fit comfortably.

The denture process usually consists of 4 appointments:

Immediate Denture

This denture is made before the teeth are extracted, and it is placed immediately the same day the teeth are removed. The benefit is the patient will not have to be without teeth and it helps to reduce swelling. However, the gum tissue and bone changes significantly within 4-6 weeks to a few months, which causes the denture to become loose over time. A reline, which adds material to the denture to make it fit tighter, is usually done at an additional fee. An additional disadvantage of the immediate denture is that they can sometimes be less aesthetically pleasing as you cannot try it in before the teeth are extracted.

The process for this denture takes 5 appointments.

Dentures are not a replacement for your natural teeth, they are a replacement for areas with no teeth. It is important to note that you will have to relearn how to eat, speak and function with dentures. It will require cutting food versus biting (such as apples, corn on the cob and sandwiches) as well as chewing food on both sides.