Having dentures in place of missing teeth is a great way to restore your eating and talking ability as well as your personal appearance. But knowing what kind of dentures you need and how they work can be confusing if the process is new to you. Dr. Robert Crowley, your dentist in Green Bay, Wisconsin, wants his patients to have all the necessary knowledge to make good decisions about their oral health, so he's provided some information about the types of dentures he offers: complete and partial, which can be removable or fixed.
Complete dentures
Also called full dentures, these are what most people picture when thinking of dentures. They can replace all the teeth on the maxillary (upper) or (mandibular) lower arches; they can also replace both. Archaeologists have found evidence of complete dentures, made from wood, in Japan from as early as the 16th century. Today's complete dentures, like the ones from your Green Bay dentist, are much more comfortable and aesthetically sound, with an acrylic base for the "gums" and translucent ceramic or acrylic teeth that are carefully designed to look realistic. Removable complete dentures are held in place with a combination of adhesion, or suction, and a specialized paste. Fixed dentures are typically attached to strategically-placed dental implants (metal posts that are surgically implanted in the jaw bone).
Partial dentures
Like complete dentures, partial dentures have a pink plastic gum base with artificial teeth attached. The difference is that partials rely on the presence of natural teeth to stay in place, so they are only recommended for people who have retained most of their own teeth. They simply fill in gaps but provide the same benefits as full dentures. Removable partials from your Green Bay dentist have metal clasps that attach to the natural teeth on either side; fixed partials connect to implant-supported devices.
The type of denture you need will depend on your dental health, your budget and your personal preference. Dr. Robert Crowley would be happy to discuss your options with you. Give us a call in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to set up a consultation!