Dentures are an affordable way to replace any number of missing teeth in your mouth. They have a long history of success and continue to earn a place in the list of options for rebuilding your smile.
Dentures are removable substitutes for missing teeth. Full dentures are used when a person is missing all their natural teeth, while partial dentures replace only a few missing teeth here or there to eliminate gaps and improve chewing. Denture treatment is customized specifically to each patient, and Dr. Ho, Dr. Patel, Dr. Song and Dr. Kim can help you decide which option works best for you.
Full Dentures (Conventional and Implant Supported)
Sometimes tooth decay or gum disease can become unmanageable. This may lead to the decision to remove your remaining teeth on one or both arches. Full dentures are an economical and efficient way to restore your function and smile.
A complete denture consists of a thin gum-colored acrylic base that rests on the gum tissue. Porcelain or acrylic replacement teeth built into the base give the appearance of natural teeth. We know that your smile is unique, and Dr. Ho, Dr. Patel, Dr. Song and Dr. Kim have the experience to help you select the teeth that will look the most natural. This also gives you the chance to customize the way you look; whether you want a "new" smile or want to recreate the one you had.
While dentures boast a long history of successful use, modern technology offers some options to enhance the way dentures fit and the way you look. In many cases, dentures can be secured more firmly to your jaw with the use of dental implants placed in the jaw. In addition to having greater retention and a more natural look, implant-supported dentures tend to last longer. The doctor can discuss these options and help you understand the ways they can improve your experience with dentures.
Partial Dentures
Whether you've lost one tooth or many, chewing and smiling can become more difficult because of the gaps in your smile. Partial dentures are an economical solution to replace missing teeth, fill in the spaces, improve chewing ability, and restore your confidence to smile. A partial denture will also help keep your natural teeth from shifting, lowering the risk of losing those teeth in the future.
Most partial dentures contain a thin metal framework that is designed with small metal clasps that wrap around the gum line of existing teeth. This allows for a smooth, non-bulky feel. The framework is supported by your natural teeth to provide a reliable, secure appliance that is easy to use and remove. Where teeth are missing, natural-looking replacement teeth are attached, and gum-colored acrylic is used to cover the metal framework. Remember your mouth and your needs are unique, and Dr. Ho, Dr. Patel, Dr. Song and Dr. Kim work with skilled technicians to create a solution that is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.
With advances in technology, implants can also be used to support removable partial dentures, improving the fit while reducing the bulkiness of the appliance. Dentures inherently bring some challenges, especially to new wearers. Our goal is to minimize the everyday frustrations and keep you as comfortable as possible.
We look forward to discussing your options to make your mouth full again and to give you back a confident, glowing smile!
At each visit, our team does a medical history update and reviews any changes (even subtle ones). Even the smallest change in the soft tissues of your mouth will be examined closely. Early detection of oral cancer saves many lives each year, and our team is highly trained to detect even the smallest abnormality.
Who doesn't love that freshly polished feel after a cleaning? Our highly-trained, compassionate registered dental hygienists do more than just polish your teeth. They remove plaque, tartar buildup, probe your gums for signs of periodontal disease, and much more!
While excellent oral health is a partnership between you and our team, we depend on you to make sure your teeth and gums stay strong and healthy between appointments. Together we can create an individual plan with the latest tools and knowledge to help protect your smile.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. But it doesn't have to ruin your smile. A targeted, strategic cleaning schedule and a dedicated home care regimen can help keep this chronic condition under control.