After tooth loss, it can be difficult to evaluate your tooth replacement options. Many people feel incomplete after losing teeth and sometimes develop social anxiety or depression as a result of tooth loss. Since your wellbeing and oral health matters to us, our team at Kaufman Family Dentistry offers advanced solutions for treating tooth loss in a compassionate, patient-focused environment. From conventional dentures to implant-retained prosthetics, we have treatment options that can meet anyone’s needs.
Why Choose Dentures?
When a person thinks of dentures, he or she may remember what a grandparent’s prosthetics looked like. While dentures have been a wonderful tooth replacement option for decades, advancements in constructing prosthetics and increased availability of dental implants has made today’s dentures superior to those made in the past. Not only are dentures made to very exact dimensions so that they fit perfectly, the materials used to construct prosthetics appear more lifelike than ever before.
Types of Dentures
Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures are prosthetics that address the visible structures of missing teeth. As one of the most common forms of tooth replacement around the world, dentures can replace multiple missing teeth throughout an arch with a partial, or a total arch of teeth with a full denture.
Since conventional dentures rest on top of the gums, they must rely on the curvature of the jaw for support. A denture is made with a metal framework that holds prosthetic teeth and the acrylic bases used to blend prosthetics seamlessly into the gumline.
Flexible Partial Dentures
This treatment option is unique because flexible partial dentures are not made from a chrome interior structure housed by an acrylic base and prosthetic teeth. Instead, a flexible partial denture is made from a lightweight, pliable material that bends and conforms over the gums where teeth are missing. Flexible partials feature invisible clasps that conform around the gum line of adjacent biological teeth. These types of partials are beneficial for patients who are ultimately going to receive dental implants or a dental bridge. Flexible partial dentures are also an option for patients on a tight budget.
Implant Over Dentures
Implant Over Dentures are retained prosthetics supported by dental implants. Patients can remove these dentures for cleaning since they clasp onto abutments attached to dental implants. Implant Over Dentures offers increased stability and security for optimal oral function.
Since dentures attach to implants, patients enjoy stronger biting force and stable prosthetics that won’t move. Moreover, the upper denture conforms around the arch of the jawbone instead of a prosthetic palate. The prosthetic palate of a denture can affect the taste of food by blocking taste buds in the roof of the mouth. Patients concerned with a loss of taste can benefit from over dentures because they do not feature prosthetic palates.
Fixed Hybrid Dentures (All-on-4)
Fixed hybrid dentures, also known as All-on-4, involve permanently attaching dentures to strategically placed dental implants. A full arch of teeth can be supported by just four implants loaded throughout the jaw. Those who wear All-on-4 enjoy dentures that do not move during the oral function, increased stability when biting and chewing, and a natural lift to the face with properly fitting dentures.
If you have questions about your tooth replacement options, call Kaufman Family Dentistry to reserve a consultation with our caring dentist.