Full or Partial Dentures

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), 3.75% of adults 20 to 64 in the United States are completely edentulous. For the overall population in this age group, the average number of remaining teeth is 24.92 out of a total of 32 permanent teeth.

One of the ways to replace missing teeth to restore oral function and appearance is with dentures. Depending upon the needs of a case, dentures can be used to replace either a few teeth that have been lost or all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaws. In addition to reestablishing the look of a complete and natural smile, dentures also restore support to the natural contours of the face to eliminate the “sunken” appearance that results from losing multiple teeth. Whether teeth have been lost for reasons of tooth decay, gum disease, a medical condition, congenital anomaly, or trauma, dentures are an effective method of care.

Dentures are removable appliances that are designed to precisely and comfortably rest on top of the gums that cover the jawbones. They can be taken out of the mouth for brief periods of time to fulfill the oral hygiene requirements of maintaining the underlying tissues, cleaning the dentures, and sleeping.

Types of Dentures

The two main types of dentures are: full dentures and partial dentures. Both types are custom fabricated based on the exact specifications obtained from dental impressions and detailed functional as well as esthetic information provided by the dentist.

Full Dentures

Full dentures, which can also be referred to as, “complete Dentures,” are designed to replace all of the upper or lower teeth. A complete maxillary denture, more commonly known as a, full upper denture, typically consists of a base that covers the roof of the mouth with a full complement of artificial teeth set around the section covering the dental arch. On the other hand, a complete mandibular denture, or full lower denture, is designed to accommodate the tongue and is horseshoe shaped with teeth set along the portion that covers the underlying dental arch.

Conventional Full Denture - A conventional full denture is fabricated and placed after all of the remaining teeth have been removed and the tissue is healed. It takes several weeks for extraction sites to heal and for all of the surrounding bone and gum tissues to fill in and remodel. By allowing this process to reach completion before taking the final impressions for a new denture, the most precise and comfortable fitting prosthesis can be fabricated.
Immediate Denture - An immediate denture is one that is inserted on the day the remaining teeth are removed. With this method of care, a patient does not have to be without teeth while waiting for complete healing of the extraction sites. Immediate dentures offer the distinct cosmetic advantage of not having to be without teeth. However, since the healing of the extraction sites is occurring while wearing the denture, a reline or new denture may be required later for improved comfort and fit.
Overdenture - An overdenture is a type of complete denture that receives added stability and support from special attachments that are secured to the remaining underlying teeth or strategically placed dental implants.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture is a type of removable prosthesis that is designed to restore a complete and functional smile in cases where multiple teeth are missing or require extractions, while some healthy teeth remain in the dental arch. Custom fabricated for a precise fit and cosmetically pleasing appearance, partial dentures are typically secured and stabilized with clasps or precision attachments to select teeth adjacent to the edentulous areas. Depending upon the number of teeth being replaced as well as the functional and aesthetic requirements of the case, a partial denture can be fabricated from a combination of cast metal and acrylic materials, acrylic alone, or thermoplastic resins such as ValplastTM, Flexite®, Duroflex® and tcs®.

Frequently Asked Questions

What the best way to replace missing teeth?

Today, it’s easier than ever to replace missing teeth and achieve natural-looking, durable, and long-lasting results! Depending a patient’s dental needs, lifestyle, expectations of care, and budget, choices can include conventional fixed bridgework, dental implants, or removable partial and complete dentures. At the office of Baltimore Dental, we’ll discuss all your options in care and answer all your questions as you choose the solution that’s right for you.

Do dentures provide natural-looking results?

With advances in dental materials and technology, today’s dentures are more comfortable and realistic-looking than ever before.

Do I still have to see a dentist if I wear dentures?

Whether you wear partial or complete dentures, it’s essential to see the dentist for routine care. Besides checking the fit and condition of your dentures and making any necessary adjustments, you’ll also receive a comprehensive exam to check on the health of any remaining teeth as well the soft and hard tissues in and around the oral cavity.

What's a same-day denture?

A same-day denture offers an accelerated design and fabrication process that allows a patient to go from impression taking to denture insertion in a single day.

What is the main benefit of an immediate denture?

For patients who don’t want to wait after having teeth extracted, an immediate denture can be inserted the same day your teeth are removed. Sometime later you may need the denture reline to address any changes in its fit once the extraction sites have completely healed.

What if I break my denture?

While no one wants to drop or break a partial or complete denture, accidents do happen. The good news is that in some cases, your partial or complete denture is reparable. It all depends on the extent of the damage. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you’ve broken or damaged your denture. We’re happy to help.

What if the clasps on my partial have loosened?

The simple act of taking your partial denture in and out can cause certain types of metal clasps to loosen over time. When you come in for your checkup visit or contact our office for an adjustment, we’ll assess the fit of your partial and tighten the clasps for improved stability and comfort.

How much do partial or complete dentures cost?

While rebuilding a complete smile is a worthwhile investment, our office is sensitive to the costs involved in dental care. We customized care and will discuss which treatment options address your needs, lifestyle, and budget. How much a new denture will cost depends on the type of the prosthesis, its design, and the materials used to fabricate the supportive base, teeth, and clasps or precision attachments. Dentures that include the placement of dental implants for added retention and stability typically involve additional costs.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of dentures?

If you have dental insurance, your coverage may include a new or replacement set of dentures. Our staff is happy to review your coverage with you to ensure you are maximizing your insurance benefits while minimizing any out of pocket expenses.

Why choose the office of Baltimore Dental?

At the office of Baltimore Dental, we provide an extensive range of dental services, including the latest and most effective methods to help patients with missing teeth rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. As skilled and experienced professionals, we recognize that every patient is different, and every smile is unique. We’re passionate about what we do and take great pride in providing personalized treatment plans while treating our patients as valued partners in care.