Dentures/Partials

Missing teeth not only affect a person’s appearance. Chewing and speech are also affected. Self-confidence is often affected by gaps in the teeth.

Filling the gaps can be accomplished in several ways, depending on the number of teeth missing and the budget of the patient. Dentures are the most requested method available.

Full dentures are needed if a full row of teeth is missing, either top or bottom (or possibly both). If only a few teeth are remaining, then extraction may be suggested, especially if the remaining teeth are damaged.

Partial dentures are custom-made for replacing one or more teeth in the same row (dental arch). Referred to simply as a partial, there must be soft tissue and remaining teeth for anchoring the replacement teeth inside the mouth.

Both types of dentures are made with a pink or gum-colored plastic as the base with the replacement teeth in the gaps. The partial has a metal frame and wire clasps and simply clicks into place.

Both full and partial dentures are removable, making cleaning easier. Each night, the dentures are placed in water to prevent drying out and then replaced each morning during the normal oral routine. Removing them each night is necessary for two reasons. First, it allows for deeper cleaning of the denture and the remaining soft tissues and teeth in the mouth. Effervescent cleansers are available for better plaque removal from the dentures. Second, sleeping without the dentures in the mouth allows the soft tissues to relax and go through the natural mouth cleaning process that happens at night.

If you need dentures in the Berrien Springs, Michigan, area, University Family Dental Studio is here to help.