What Are Dentures?
Strictly speaking, “dentures” can be used to describe any type of tooth replacement. However, most often when people talk about dentures, they refer to removable dentures: one or more replacement teeth attached to a base made of plastic or metal.
Within this broader definition, there are several types of dentures to consider.
Partial vs. Full Dentures
Removable dentures might be partial or full dentures. Partial dentures replace at least one tooth, but not a full arch of teeth. Partial dentures rely on your remaining teeth for support and security. These dentures might use metal hooks and clasps or soft rubber flaps to grip to your natural teeth. The different techniques for securing dentures each have their own advantages.
Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. How they’re secured depends on whether they are traditional or implant dentures.
Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures rest on your gums. They direct bite force to your gum tissue, which can be challenging for partial dentures, where you might bite according to pressure natural teeth can stand, but partial dentures can’t. This might dislodge the dentures and/or cause pain when biting and chewing. People with traditional partial dentures may choose to eat without them.
Full traditional dentures limit your ability to bite and chew, which can make it hard to enjoy certain foods. These dentures are secured in your mouth by suction with your gum tissue, which depends on getting a precise fit. Even at best, suction doesn’t create a strong connection, and traditional denture wearers need to learn a different way to chew to eat effectively with dentures.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures use dental implants to secure a full set of teeth. With All-on-X implant dentures, you can get functional, attractive implant dentures immediately at the time of dental implant surgery. These implant dentures use a relatively small number of implants, typically 4-8 per arch.
There are many ways to secure implant dentures. People often choose removable implant dentures. Some people opt for hybrid dentures, which are dentures that secure dental implants with screws so you can’t remove them at home. Hybrid dentures are more secure and can give you better bite force so you can bite and chew more normally.
Denture Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement
Traditional dentures are not long-lasting restorations, but proper maintenance can help them last longer and give you a better fit and function. The fit of full dentures changes quickly. To make sure that your dentures serve you well, it’s important to get regular denture re-fits, known as denture relines.
Dentures are vulnerable to damage. With any type of removable denture, it’s easy to drop them, causing damage. Poorly fitting dentures can also break from biting and chewing force, especially if they’re implant dentures. Sometimes it’s possible to repair these dentures.
Even with maintenance and repair, people often need denture replacement. When they replace their dentures, many people want to upgrade from traditional dentures to implant dentures.
Why Choose South Bay Prosthodontics for Your Dentures
Our dental specialists know how to design, fit, and place outstanding dentures of all types. You’ll enjoy attractive dentures that provide the best function possible given their type. We specialize in implant-supported dentures, including hybrid dentures, and take pride in managing the entire process in-house. This comprehensive approach allows us to ensure that your dentures not only look natural and attractive but also provide optimal function and comfort. As experts in implant dentistry, we deliver outstanding results at every step, from the initial consultation to the final placement, all within our practice.
Get Dentures in Torrance, CA
If you’re looking for dentures in the Los Angeles area, we invite you to visit South Bay Prosthodontics.
Please call (310) 378-9261 or use our online form today to request an appointment at our Torrance, CA, dental office.