Removable Dentures
Regain your smile with from our Ann Arbor, MI, dentists. Consisting of a gum-colored plastic resin base, removable dentures fit over the remaining alveolar (bone) ridge that formerly held your teeth. The new prosthetic teeth are designed to look and function like your natural teeth.
Dentures are just one of the ways you can replace missing teeth. Fixed bridgework and dental implants also work to restore your smile should you choose an alternative option.
How Do Removable Dentures Work?
As mentioned before, dentures are designed to fit over the remaining bone ridge where your teeth previously were. Dentures are held in place thanks to the suctioning effect of their close fit against the alveolar ridges.
It is important that your dentures are fitted properly or you will have issues with them staying in your mouth. If you only have an upper denture, extra support is provided from the large surface of the palate, or roof of the mouth.
Types of Full Dentures
There are several types of full dentures to choose from. Each is built differently so it’s important to discuss with our Ann Arbor dentists about any needs you may have.
Options for full dentures include:
- Immediate Dentures: Usually temporary for transition purposes. When placed immediately after tooth extraction, they may not fit as well due to the muscular readjustment required and natural shrinkage of the gums.
- Conventional Full Dentures: After time, permanent dentures that conform to your mouth can be fabricated. These are crafted to look and function like natural teeth.
- Implant-Supported Overdentures: For increased stability of a lower or upper denture, two or more dental implants can be used to securely anchor the appliance(s). This option offers a great balance of comfort, functionality, and value.
Types of Partial Dentures
Partial dentures come in two primary options depending on what works best for you.
These include:
- Transitional Partial Dentures: Relatively inexpensive removable plastic dentures that serve as a temporary tooth replacement and space maintainer as you wait for your mouth to heal following a tooth extraction.
- Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs): Typically made of cast vitallium, these metal-based removable dentures are much lighter and less obtrusive than plastic alternatives. They tend to be more expensive than plastic dentures but often fit better.
What to Expect With Dentures
If you’ve recently lost teeth and received an immediate denture, it is normal to find some tissue shrinkage and bone loss occurring. Because of this, you may find that your immediate dentures no longer fit well after several months.
There are two solutions. You can either have your temporary dentures re-lined or even better, decide to move to a set of conventional dentures. The latter option will last longer and fit much more comfortably.
Call Us Today
Interested in either full or partial dentures for a new, beautiful smile? Our team of denture dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, can help you choose the right option for you and your lifestyle. Contact us online to schedule your appointment or call Excel Dental at (734) 929-9999.