Partial & Complete Dentures

Dentures | North Calgary Dentist | Northern Hills Dental

What Are Dentures?

Dentures (also known as false teeth) are prosthetic teeth worn by those who have lost their natural teeth through injury or illness. There are many different types of dentures designed to address a variety of dental situations. Dentures may be removable or implanted, and they may replace teeth on the lower or upper arch.

Those who have lost their teeth find both functional and aesthetic benefits from dentures. Well-made dentures allow the wearer to enjoy all kinds of food, whereas missing teeth or poor dentures significantly restrict chewing ability. Dentures also support the lips and cheeks, improving the appearance of a patient who has lost his or her natural teeth.

Dentures are custom-designed to fit each patient’s mouth, and skill and patience are required to create an effective pair. Poorly made dentures can cause significant discomfort and erode the gums and bones of the jaw, leading to greater dental problems.

Who is a Candidate for Dentures?

If you’ve lost or are losing all of your teeth, a Complete Denture is something to discuss with your Northern Hills Dentist. If some of your teeth remain and are healthy, a partial denture may be your way to a great smile.

This procedure should be thoroughly discussed with your dentist as there are several personal and medical factors to take into consideration. You may instead be a candidate for dental bridges and dental implants as optional procedures.

Partial Dentures

Depending on the teeth remaining in your oral cavity, partial dentures may be completely tooth supported, tissue/tooth supported, and implant/tissue supported.

Partial dentures can be constructed out of a metal and acrylic composition or completely out of acrylic. The design process involved in creating a removable partial (denture) is specific to the patient’s needs.

Metal partials are considered stronger structurally, thinner, and more hygienic than an acrylic partial. Acrylic partials are usually recommended as a transitional or temporary partial. Your dentist will determine the appropriate treatment plan and the appropriate partial for you.

Are There Any Alternatives to Dentures?

There is an alternative; dental implants can be used to support permanently cemented bridges, thereby eliminating the need for a denture. In the case of a poor fitting complete denture, dental implants can also be used to create better support for the denture. The cost of implant-supported bridges and implant-supported dentures are greater than that for standard dentures, but there is an added benefit in that the implant supported solutions feel more natural, are stronger, and more stable and will help maintain your jaw bone over time.

Not everyone is a good candidate for implant-supported bridges or implant-supported dentures. If you would like to explore the potential for dental implant-supported solutions as an alternative to standard dentures, we would be happy to discuss this with you during your denture consultation.

To learn more about your Denture options, we invite you to contact our office for a consultation appointment.

Our Practice Always Welcomes
New Patients – No Referral Is Required!

CONTACT US

Our Caring & Friendly Team
Welcomes You!

Book Now