Custom Dentures to Meet Your Needs and Budget

Conventional Dentures

Conventional dentures are made of a durable acrylic resin. This type of appliance features a gum-colored base with life-like artificial teeth.

Advantages of conventional dentures:

• The quickest way to replace missing teeth. 
• The most affordable solution for missing teeth.

• Easiest to repair.

Disadvantages of conventional dentures:

• Requires adhesive for stability. 
• Because of movement, may be difficult eating certain foods. 
• Does not prevent bone resorption. 
• Requires relines about every 3 years. 
• Will need to be remade more frequently than implant supported dentures. 
• Gingival tissue irritation is common.

Implant-supported Dentures

When dental implants are used to support a denture, there are several design options, each with certain advantages. With implants, the denture design can range from removable dentures that snap on implants, to dentures made of Zirconium that can be permanently screwed into the implants. Quality be e placement of implant requires h bone to

Not only will your implant-supported denture never slip or fall out of position, it will also help to prevent bone recession by returning stimulation to your jaw.

DENTURES WITH TWO LOCATOR IMPLANT ATTACHMENTS

Advantages:

• Significantly better stability, with less movement when compared to conventional dentures. 
• With only two implants, it is the least expensive implant option. 
• Since the denture is removable, this option is the easiest and least expensive to repair. 
• Easiest to remove and clean.

Disadvantages:

• Since the denture rests on, and is supported by the gum tissue, over time, resorption of the underlying jawbone will occur. Therefore, like a conventional denture, it will require a reline every 2-3 years. 
• The nylon locator attachments will need to be replaced periodically. 
• Food can get trapped under the denture. 
• There is still some pivoting movement when chewing food.

DENTURES WITH 4 OR MORE IMPLANTS (ALL ON FOUR)

With four or more implants, the denture no longer rests on the gum tissue and is completely stabilized by the implants. We have the option of snapping the denture into several implants, or we can make a bar that attaches the implants together for even more stability.

Advantages:

• Since the denture does not rest on the gum tissue, there is much less jawbone resorption. Therefore, relines are less frequently required. 
• Little to no movement of the denture, so people can chew food with more confidence. 
• Easy to remove and clean. 
• Easier to repair than permanent implant dentures.

Disadvantages:

• Nylon attachments need to be changed periodically. 
• Food can get trapped under the denture. 
• More costly because more implants are placed.

DENTURES THAT ARE PERMANENTLY ATTACHED TO THE IMPLANT

Dentures that are permanently placed in the mouth require four or more dental implants. The denture is permanently screwed or tapped into the implants. The denture can only be removed by a dental professional. These appliances are made with a durable Zirconium material that doesn’t wear down as fast as acrylic dentures. This is considered the pinnacle in implant dentistry because it provides patients with the most beautiful and life-like option. It gives the patient the feeling and appearance of having natural teeth.

Advantages: 

• We can achieve amazing cosmetic results that look and feel like natural teeth. 
• The teeth stay in place and do not need to be removed. 
• Since the appliance does not rest on the gum tissue, there is very little jawbone resorption over time. 
• Relines are not often needed. 
• There are no nylon attachments that need to be replaced periodically like with removable dentures.

Disadvantages: 

• Because of the complexity of the treatment, it is the most expensive implant option. 
• If the appliance fractures, the repairs are more expensive than other options. 
• Food can get tapped under the denture so excellent home care must be maintained. 
• Must be removed and cleaned by a dental professional periodically.

IMMEDIATE DENTURES 

An immediate denture is considered a temporary denture. It is often placed “immediately” after the teeth have been extracted and can be worn until the patient has completely healed. Immediate dentures provide a cosmetic option, so the patient does not have the appearance of missing teeth while they are healing. For added comfort, Dr. Van Slate will often reline the immediate denture with a soft material. 

PARTIALS 

A partial is a removable appliance, designed with artificial teeth, to improve the appearance and function of patients who are missing a few teeth. For retention and stability, clasps are made to surround your remaining healthy teeth. Artificial teeth are made to simulate the color and shape of your natural teeth. A partial base can be made with metal or with metal free flexible acrylic. To avoid more unsightly clasps, patients may also opt for implant supported partials.

Modern dentures allow patients to eat, speak, and smile with renewed confidence. The type of denture that is right for you will depend on your unique needs, goals, and budget. To schedule a dentures consultation with Dr. Van Slate and learn more, reach out to our practice today.