A denture is a prosthetic appliance that replaces missing teeth and fills in the gaps where teeth have fallen out or been removed due to decay, disease, or damage. At Fort Union Family Dental, we have two types of dentures available — complete and partial. Full dentures are used when all the teeth in an arch are missing, while partial dentures fill in the gaps in just a few teeth. In the case of full dentures, the portion of the device that sits above the gum line is called an acrylic base. The base is customized to fit comfortably in your mouth and match your gum tissue color. The artificial teeth are made of either porcelain or plastic resin and are attached to the bases.

When Are Dentures a Good Option? 

Most patients can wear partial or complete dentures, but a few exceptions exist. For example, if you have advanced periodontal disease or bone loss in your smile, your dentist may feel that complete dentures would be a better option for you than a partial set.

Some patients also find adjusting to the new feel of dentures difficult, so your dentist might recommend trying a partial denture first to see if that helps. A patient with a very small mouth may not be a good candidate for removable prosthetics. In these cases, your restorative dentist may suggest a fixed bridge or a dental implant. The best way to determine if this is the best solution for your needs is to schedule a consultation with our dentist.

Partial Dentures 

Partial dentures are used when one or more of your teeth are missing, but you still have some healthy teeth remaining. They are designed to fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and chewing surfaces. This will improve your ability to eat and speak properly. Depending on how many teeth you’re missing, a partial denture can be supported by your natural teeth or dental implants. A thin, plastic base is designed to rest on your gum tissue while clasps or metal supports are fitted around your other healthy teeth. These supports hold the partial securely in place in your mouth.

The Benefits of Partial Dentures 

• Affordable cost compared to other types of tooth replacement options
• Customized design to fit your smile and mouth perfectly

• Ability to eat and speak normally immediately after insertion
• Improved confidence following tooth loss
• Stronger jaw muscles from chewing food with your natural teeth versus an appliance
• Stability when biting into more complex foods than you could with removable bridges
• The quick and easy insertion process

Just like natural teeth, dentures require daily care to keep them clean and prevent plaque buildup. To learn more about dentures, visit Fort Union Family Dental located at 8915 S 700 E Ste 103, Sandy, Utah 84070, or call (801) 562-2147.