Full Upper and Lower Dentures
Full Upper and Lower Dentures also known as false teeth, are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth; they are supported by the surrounding soft tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable. However, there are many different denture designs, some which rely on dental implants (see below for Implant Supported Dentures).
Dentures can help patients through:
- Mastication, as chewing ability is improved by replacing edentulous areas with denture teeth.
- Esthetics, because the presence of teeth gives a natural appearance to the face, and wearing a denture to replace missing teeth provides support for the lips and cheeks and corrects the collapsed appearance that results from the loss of teeth.
- Pronunciation, because replacing missing teeth, especially the anteriors, enables patients to speak better. There is especially improvement in pronouncing words containing sibilants or fricatives.
- Self-esteem, because improved looks and speech boost confidence in the ability to interact socially.
Implant Supported Dentures
All-on-4:
This treatment procedure is optimal for an upper or lower jaw lacking natural teeth. Implants are placed on an angle in the back of the mouth. This ensures optimal support for replacement teeth, which can be functioning just a few hours after surgery.
Overdentures:
This removable full denture is connected to either a ball, locator or bar attachment, which is then anchored on two or more implants in the front of the jaw. The implants help keep the denture secure, functioning and comfortable.