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What are dentures?



A denture is one of the most cost effective, convenient replacement options for missing teeth. Based on the needs of the patient, a denture can either be partial (containing only the few missing teeth that need to be replaced) or complete (containing all teeth of the upper/lower arch). Partial dentures are further classified into removable and fixed – fixed prosthesis include crowns and bridges.

Partial and complete prosthetic devices both are generally removable, which means that patients can conveniently remove them from their oral cavity for cleaning purposes. Other options for teeth
replacement include fixed bridges and implants, which are both relatively expensive procedures in contrast to dentures.

In what cases are dentures recommended?

partial dentures

Partial Denture

At Lake Pointe Dental, Dr. Michelle Mendoza advises complete/partial dentures to patients to have lost their teeth due to:

  • Poor periodontal condition: Unhealthy gums can cause teeth to become loose and mobile in their sockets, eventually falling out. In cases such as advanced periodontitis, it becomes impossible to reverse tooth mobility or gingival health.
  • Deep cavities: In certain cases, when cavities are left untreated, they can affect the entire tooth from the crown till root. In this case, extractions are advised. Teeth can also be extracted due to failed root canal procedures, vertical fractures resulting from trauma/accidents, or excessive tooth wear.
  • Genetic defects: There are certain congenital conditions that can affect the normal development of the tooth structure. In this case, extractions are advised because the teeth are either aesthetically or functionally compromised.

What are the advantages of getting prosthodontic treatment?

The complete or partial dentures fabricated at Lake Pointe Dental effectively restore:

  • Aesthetics: Patients can smile confidently once again without having to worry about gaps and missing teeth.
  • Phonetics: The presence of teeth in the mouth has a direct affect on a person’s speech. Dentures can restore a patient’s ability to speak properly once again.
  • Chewing/Mastication: Perhaps the most important of all, dentures allow for proper chewing of meals. The greatest drawback of not having teeth in the mouth is malnutrition or a marked reduction in the amount of food consumed daily.
  • Confidence: The lack of teeth can make a person feel socially awkward, which is completely natural. With partial or complete dentures replacing teeth with a natural look and feel, patients can participate in different social events and interactions without feeling hesitant.

Watch our video below for more information about dentures.