Removable Prosthetics

Dentures

If you've lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Without support from a denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You'll be able to eat and speak- things that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.

There are various types of complete dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient's mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which may take several months. An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient's jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

Partial Dentures

If you have a number of missing teeth on either your upper or lower jaw, Dr. Rice, Dr. Hall, Dr. Rask may recommend a partial denture. Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework. A partial denture stops several problems. By filling in spaces, it stops neighboring teeth from shifting. When missing teeth aren't replaced, it can set off a chain reaction that might result in cavities and periodontal disease. Partial dentures are helpful to balance your bite, which means better chewing and a healthier jaw joint. And, partials add support to the cheeks and lips. This support is necessary for clear speaking and proper facial appearance.