Dentures

I. Conventional Complete Dentures

A complete denture is a removable appliance that stands in for all the upper or lower teeth. The denture is supported by the patient’s remaining gum ridge and the comfort of this appliance depends on the patient’s muscle, bones, tongue, and saliva. Dentures can be constructed to provide a natural smile. If a patient has lost, or is losing, all of his or her teeth, a complete denture is the lowest cost tooth replacement option. Upper dentures are easier to get accustomed to than lower dentures. Some patients cannot adapt to a conventional lower denture. They have difficulty eating and speaking, which can hurt their self-confidence. Patients who don’t fare well with conventional complete dentures often fare much better with “Snap-on” dentures. (See case illustrated below.)

Benefits of conventional dentures:

II. Implant “Snap–on” Dentures

Snap-on dentures combine dentures with dental implants. They allow more comfort and stability than a conventional denture and they eliminate the experiences of teeth floating, clicking, and “pasted to the gum” that haunts many wearers of complete dentures.

Benefits of “Snap-on” Dentures:

• Moderate cost compared to totally fixed (non-removable) implant supported bridgework.
• Improved appearance
• Chewing ability far exceeds conventional dentures
• Long term solution

Over the course of time, all dentures can wear and may need to be relined or replaced. The gum and underlying bone changes over time, thus necessitating regular dental exams with Dr. Supowitz.