Full & Partial Dentures

Are you putting up with old, worn, and ill-fitting dentures? Maybe you’re a candidate for dentures but are avoiding the process because you dread the idea of “false teeth.” In either case, you’ll be pleased to know that dentures have improved significantly in recent years. Modern dentures fit better, cause less irritation, and can be made to look completely natural.

At Elgin Family Dental, Dr. Carl Herring and Dr. Scott Herring are committed to helping our patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that function without pain or discomfort. Our entire professional team is sensitive to the concerns of patients who believe that dentures are cumbersome and will leave them with a smile that looks fake and unnatural. We can assure you that we will help guide you through the process.

Beautiful, Natural-Looking Results

Advances in dental technology that have brought amazing changes in the types of materials and techniques we use. Using these updated materials, we create dentures that are flexible or rigid but comfortable. We eliminate the one-size-fits-all appearance by adding natural-looking elements that match the look of your teeth.

What Types of Dentures Are Available?

There are two common types of dentures available that we recommend based on your needs:

  • Full or Complete dentures that are used when all teeth in an upper or lower arch are missing
  • Partial dentures are removable dentures that are used when some natural teeth remain

There are several different options for Removable Partial Dentures (RPD):

  • Cast Metal Partial (CMP) have a rigid metal framework and are used primarily when remaining teeth are strong. Where possible the partial denture is supported by selected teeth to give it a  more natural feel while chewing. The design of the partial is crucial.
  • Wrought Wire or transitional Partials (WWP) are used when remaining teeth are not strong enough to support a CMP. Advantages of this type of partial are that changes can be made easily if more teeth are lost without the need to make a new partial. This type of partial is also used to transition patients to an eventual full (complete) denture.
  • Flipper Style RPD - this type of partial is most often used as a temporary denture for esthetic purposes while extraction sites or implant placement sites heal in the front of the mouth.
  • Flexible Style RPD – this is a very popular type of partial denture because of its lightweight and esthetic clasps. Primary disadvantages are that they will probably need to be replaced sooner than a CMP or WWP and it is not possible to add additional teeth if natural teeth need to be removed later. 

Replacing Old Dentures

Patients who have old dentures often experience increasing discomfort as the years pass. Dentures made just a few decades ago were created with the technology available at the time which produced a heavier, more rigid prosthetic. These dentures may have fit comfortably when they were first placed, but over time have become loose and unstable as the shape of gums and the jawline changes over time. The lack of proper fit can lead to irritation, making chewing difficult or painful.

But using state-of-the-art technology, our doctors design dentures that are stable, comfortable and durable.

Dental Implants to Prevent Shifting of Dentures

Aside from problems with their appearance, it is also common for dentures to slide and shift. This is uncomfortable and can be embarrassing and awkward during social or business interactions. But an oral surgeon can place dental implants at points along your jaw that will hold the denture securely in place and provide stability to eliminate uncomfortable movement. With implant-supported dentures, you will also be free to eat the foods that you enjoy.

Another reason we often recommend pairing dentures with implants is the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing. As the years go by, without an implant bone loss continues and leads to deterioration of the jaw. We recommend implants because they act as replacement roots to help conserve bone.

Please Call Us for an Appointment

Your complete oral health and comfort are essential to us. Whether you want to replace older, ill-fitting dentures or need a full or partial to replace missing teeth, we are here to help you make the decision that best suits your needs. Please contact our Elgin dental office for more information. We will be happy to schedule a consultation to answer your questions and discuss your options.