What Are Dentures?

Dentures are an option to replace missing teeth. In general, these refer to a removable tooth replacement option. These appliances are made up of artificial teeth, as well as a base of artificial gum tissue that covers your natural gums to help provide stability and improve the 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 just 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 dentures 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 dentures can be chosen. At Excellence in Dentistry, we do immediate dentures, complete dentures, partial dentures, and all-on-4 implant dentures.

Immediate Dentures

It’s common for those patients who need extractions to be worried about walking around without teeth for several months while their bones and gums heal. Doctors Kendall and Fox make sure you don’t need to do that with immediate dentures. Immediate dentures are placed in our 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 dentures.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are your permanent, full dentures. They’re for patients who are missing all of their teeth. Your complete dentures are designed to fit your mouth by our denture dentists, Dr. Kendall and Dr. Fox. They take special care to examine your bite using the K7 and TENS machines. This helps the doctors to ensure that the dentures they create will have a positive impact on your bite. In other words, if your bite was off, your complete dentures will correct it. If your bite was still okay, your complete dentures will keep it that way.

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 dentures 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 dentures will attach. This is a great way to get the most sturdy and functional set of teeth! With all-on-4 implant dentures, you can eat all your favorite foods, and you won’t expense any slippage of your dentures because they’re connected to your jawbone through dental implants. Another benefit of this type of denture is that your bite and chewing force will be in your jaw (like natural teeth) instead of on your gums. This means no sore gums and a stimulated jawbone that won’t start to recede with 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 denture.
  4. If you want the sturdiest and most natural denture, ask Dr. Kendall about all-on-4 implant dentures.

Love Your New Smile in Anchorage

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

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