A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. Most dentures are made of acrylic resin and various metals. The two main types of dentures are: complete dentures and partial dentures.
Complete dentures replace all teeth on the upper or the lower arch. Complete dentures can allow you to choose the shape, size, and color of teeth with little restrictions from pervious teeth. Complete dentures can be a great treatment option for people who have very few back teeth or when teeth become very loose due to periodontal disease. Complete dentures take multiple appointments to create. At Allen Dental we utilize the best laboratory technicians allowing us to give you the best possible look and fit with every denture we make. For individuals interested in removing current teeth and being fitted for a complete denture there is no need to go without teeth. In these situations we recommend what is called an immediate, or treatment, denture. An immediate denture is fabricated using proven techniques while you still have your current teeth. Then on the day that your teeth are removed you wear your new denture home. This allows you to never go without teeth. This process does require more follow-up appointments and future denture rebasing, but in most cases it is worth those extra appointments to have a great smile while your gums heal.
Partial dentures fill the spaces created by missing teeth and help stop natural teeth from drifting or rotating in response to losing teeth. Partial dentures serve many great purposes such as: improving esthetics, improving chewing efficiency, stabilizing remaining teeth, decreasing chewing load on natural teeth, and improving speech. Most partial dentures are made of a metal framework that is overlaid with acrylic to simulate teeth and gums. There are now more options for partial dentures than ever before. One of the most exciting new developments allow tooth colored clasps to be used rather than the more standard metal type. This allows us to offer a more cosmetic result for those who still want that perfect smile.