Specialty Dentures

Gone are the days of President George Washington’s famous wood dentures, today’s dentures are state of the art, lightweight, comfortable, and can be made for any purpose where there are missing teeth.  Dentures not only present a more natural attractive appearance,  by preventing mouths that sag or a jaw that looks crooked,  they also help prevent unintended shifting of remaining tooth structures which can lead to bite problems and pain involving the jaw.

In short, dentures are replacement teeth that can be easily removed for easy care and cleaning.  Unlike wood dentures which were prone to termites (a little dental humor there!) today’s dentures are made primarily from modern acrylic resin, known for its strength and durability while also being light weight and comfortable.

There are as many kinds of dentures as there are teeth. Dr. Jennifer Bartlett can assist patients with understanding the different types of dentures, and which approach is the perfect fit for them.    The types of dentures are based upon what teeth are being replaced.

Complete Dentures – Replace all of a patients teeth.  There are no more natural teeth in the mouth, or the remaining teeth that are there are no longer healthy and pose a greater potential for complications.  Dr. Bartlett must extract the remaining teeth in order to prepare the patient to be fitted for a full set of dentures.

Partial Dentures – When there are still remaining teeth that are healthy, while others are missing, partial dentures are appropriate.  They are constructed and attached to the healthy teeth.  Partial dentures help the remaining teeth maintain proper fit and alignment, as well as enhance the appearance of a patient.

Upper Dentures –  Similar to full dentures except that they are only replacing the full array of upper teeth, and are fully removable, while the lower ones are intact, or, in some cases may be fitted with a partial denture.

Overdentures – Use precision attachments which help keep the dentures in place.  In some cases, overdentures  can be attached where the roots have been preserved, or in other cases be attached to dental implants placed specifically for the purpose of being used as an attachment point.

Conventional Dentures – Used to replace teeth after they have been pulled and full healing has taken place.  They are removable, for easy cleaning.

Immediate Dentures – Used once the dentist has removed any remaining teeth, and no prolonged healing is required beforehand.  The gum tissue and bone can heal normally, however extra care and follow up visits are advised.  Many times this is a temporary measure while permanent conventional dentures are being prepared, a process that can take up to several months.

A private consultation with Dr. Bartlett is recommended in order to determine if you are a candidate for dentures, what type if so, and she can answer all of your questions concerning this procedure, after care and attending factors related to denture maintenance.