Full and Partial Dentures

A guide to dentures options to rebuild your beautiful, healthy smile

At Advance Dental Arts Center in West Linn, Oregon, we encourage you to rethink your understanding of dentures. Optimally, Dr. Kimberly Wright will be able to preserve most, if not all, of your teeth. In the event that teeth cannot be preserved, there are numerous methods to rebuild them and restore the health, function, and aesthetics of the smile. These methods include both conventional partial and complete (full) dentures and their implant-supported partial and complete counterparts.

Dentures

As its name suggests, the “partial” denture is used to replace several or many missing teeth. Partials replicate the appearance and structure of the teeth and gums. They are attached to a metal framework, which is then secured in the mouth with clasps or other connector pieces.

Fittingly, the “full” or complete denture replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower arch (jaw). The denture is made up of materials such as acrylic and metal to mimic the natural appearance of the teeth and gum tissue. The dentures are held in place by natural suction in the mouth or with denture adhesives and other products.

Many of the complaints related to traditional dentures revolve around “poor fit.” As we age, the bone shrinks or resorbs. Dentures no longer fit as well as they did due to this process. So, Dr. Wright must regularly evaluate the condition of your dentures, and reline, rebase, repair, and replace as needed to support the optimal function that follows optimal fit!

Implant dentures

Dental implants present an alternative to partial and complete dentures. Instead of being connected in the mouth by suction or adhesives, these dentures are held in place with strategically-positioned dental implants. The implants are designed to function like tooth roots. The prosthetic teeth and gum tissue sit on a base connected to the implants with clasps or other specialized attachments. In turn, the denture is optimally held in place or “rooted” in the jawbone with implants. The specific designs that are most appropriate for each patient depend on factors such as the number of teeth that require replacement.

Implant-supported dentures “mimic” the design of a natural tooth. So, they promote natural and efficient function, aesthetics, comfort, and lasting strength and durability. They also prevent or halt the destructive process of bone resorption.

Do not put off a visit to the dentist for another day. We may be able to save your teeth! Call Advance Dental Arts Center at (503) 655-9300 to schedule an appointment at our West Linn practice, which proudly serves the oral health needs of individuals and families throughout Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Gladstone, Milwaukee, Wilsonville, and greater Portland.