The short answer
Dentures replace missing teeth with a removable appliance. Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch, partial dentures fill gaps between remaining natural teeth, and implant-supported dentures snap onto dental implants so they do not slide. Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants in Sierra Vista, AZ provides all three, along with relines and adjustments for existing dentures.
Choosing the right kind of denture
Full dentures replace every tooth in the upper or lower jaw. An upper denture covers the roof of the mouth and usually holds well with suction. A lower denture sits on a narrow ridge of gum and is held mainly by your muscles, which is why lower dentures are the ones people struggle with.
Partial dentures fill in missing teeth when you still have healthy natural teeth. They clip to the remaining teeth and are removed for cleaning. A partial also stops the remaining teeth from drifting into the gaps.
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants placed in the jaw. The denture snaps onto fittings on the implants, so it does not slide, rock or need adhesive. For many denture wearers, especially in the lower jaw, this is the change that lets them eat a steak or an apple again.
Why implant support makes such a difference
When teeth are lost, the jawbone that held them is no longer stimulated and gradually shrinks. Over the years that is why dentures that once fit well start to loosen. Implants put load back into the bone and give the denture something solid to hold on to.
Dr. Hales was mentored by Dr. Victor Sendax, who is credited as the originator of the mini dental implant, a narrow implant often used specifically to stabilize lower dentures. He also completed implant training at The Bicon Institute in Boston. If you have been told you do not have enough bone for implants, it is worth a second look. Read more on our dental implants page.
Living with dentures
- Take dentures out at night to let your gums rest, unless you have been told otherwise.
- Clean them daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner, not regular toothpaste, which is abrasive.
- Keep them in water or a soaking solution when they are out so they do not dry and warp.
- Brush your gums and tongue with a soft brush.
- If a denture becomes loose, rubs or clicks, have it checked. Relines and adjustments are often quick fixes.
Call (520) 458-9460 to talk about new dentures or a problem with the ones you have.