What Are Dentures?

Dentures are a solution to replace missing teeth, typically referring to a removable tooth replacement option. These appliances consist of artificial teeth and a base of artificial gum tissue that covers your natural gums, helping provide stability and improve appearance. In most modern dentures, the artificial gums are made of plastic, while the teeth can be made of either plastic or ceramic.

Partial dentures can be used when you are missing one or a few teeth. In addition to the plastic base, these are generally held in place with metal hooks and clasps that fit around your natural teeth.

Full options are designed to replace an entire arch of teeth. Usually, both arches are replaced at the same time; however, only one arch can also be replaced.

A happy older couple with dentures enjoy a laugh and a smile together while sitting outside

Most Common Concerns

Most denture wearers report the following concerns with their appliances:

  • Poor fit
  • Discomfort
  • Damage to neighboring teeth from partial dentures
  • Poor chewing function
  • Speech difficulties
  • Unattractive appearance
  • Make you look older

Types of Dentures in Anchorage

Depending on your current oral health and smile goals, different types of replacements can be chosen. Our Anchorage dentists offer immediate, complete, partial, and all-on-4 implant dentures.

Immediate Dentures

It’s common for patients needing extractions to worry about walking around without teeth for several months while their bones and gums heal. Doctors Kendall and Fox ensure you don’t need to do that with immediate replacements. These are placed in your mouth the same day as your extractions. They’ll look great and protect your gums during healing, but aren’t custom-fit to your mouth. After your extraction sites heal, we’ll place your permanent, customized set.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are your permanent, full set of replacements, designed for patients who are missing all of their teeth. Dr. Kendall and Dr. Fox, our denture specialists, take special care to examine your bite using the K7 and TENS machines. This helps ensure that the dentures they create will positively impact your bite. If your bite was misaligned, they will correct it, and if it was already healthy, they will help maintain it.

When you get complete dentures from Excellence in Dentistry, expect excellence. Your complete dentures will look, feel, and function as close to natural teeth as possible. Get ready to start smiling again with a new set of complete dentures!

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are just as the sound. They’re less than a complete denture and are for those who are missing only some teeth. They consist of a plate with one or more teeth attached. Our denture dentists at custom create your partial denture, so it looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. Many people opt to get partial dentures when they need a dental bridge.

All-On-4 Implant Dentures

All-on-4 implant dentures, or all-on-4 dental implants, are held permanently in place by dental implants. Dr. Kendall Skinner, Anchorage’s number one implant dentist, will surgically insert four dental implants to which your prosthetic teeth will attach. This is a great way to get the most sturdy and functional set of teeth! With all-on-4 implants, you can eat all your favorite foods without slippage, as they’re connected to your jawbone through dental implants. Another benefit of this option is that your bite and chewing force will be supported by your jaw (like natural teeth) instead of your gums, meaning no sore gums and a stimulated jawbone that won’t recede over time.

Which Type of Denture is Best for Me?

To determine which type of restorative dental treatment is best for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kendall or Dr. Fox. Our Anchorage restorative dentists will examine your mouth, teeth, gums, and bite and then consult with you about your smile goals. Together, you and your dentist can decide which type of denture is best for you.

Here are some quick tips to help you understand which type of restorative denture you may need before your appointment.

  1. All teeth replaced = complete denture or all-on-4 implant denture.
  2. Some teeth replaced = partial denture or dental bridge.
  3. Extractions = Immediate denture and then the needed complete, partial, or all-on-4 implant.
  4. If you want the sturdiest and most natural denture, ask Dr. Kendall about all-on-4 implants.

Love Your New Smile in Anchorage

Call (907) 349-0022 or make an appointment online to get the smile of your dreams with dentures.