Full and Partial Dentures

Cosmetic Dentures or Partials

Before

After

When multiple teeth have been lost there are several different options available with which Dr. Thomas Lange and Dr. Kevin Fitzpatrick can replace them. If there are the right circumstances they can replace the missing teeth with either a bridge or implants. If neither of the former things can be placed then they have to use a partial denture if there are some remaining teeth or a full denture if all the teeth are lost.

Partial dentures use the remaining teeth in the dental arch for support. They can replace multiple missing teeth with a great cosmetic option. You may see a small metal clasp in some discrete areas but we may be able to eliminate the metal all together. It is these clasps that retain the removable partial dentures and usually rest on teeth adjacent to the missing teeth. Partials are not permanently cemented into the arch and will have to be removed for cleaning. This is a great solution to replace missing teeth.

Dentures are used when all the teeth have been lost. Special impressions are made of the mouth and dentures are constructed to stay in through the process of suction and tissue retention. Dentures replace all of the lost tissue, bone and teeth to cosmetically rebuild the lower third of the face. A great outcome can be achieved and Dr. Thomas Lange and Dr. Kevin Fitzpatrick want you to leave the office with a great smile undetectable by others that you have had any dental work at all. These are not permanently cemented into the mouth and must be removed for cleaning. This is a great solution to replace all of your missing teeth.

People that currently wear partials or dentures may be unhappy with the way that their dentures/partials look, whether it is a shortening of the face which makes them look older or just having teeth that look fake. Cosmetic Dentures/Cosmetic Partials, which look beautiful, more youthful and feel comfortable, should be the goal of every denture wearer. Dentures/Partials are considered a cosmetic reconstruction of the lower third of the face and we treat every patient as a cosmetic case.

I currently wear a partial or denture and would like it to be a little more secure. What option do I have available?

Retention with Dental Implants

Anchoring Full or Partial Dentures

Whether you currently wear a partial or denture or about to have either made, you can use dental implants to provide an anchor for support and retention. Through the use of one or more implants we can provide greater retention and the feeling of security that the denture/partial will not slip during an inopportune time. Through the use of dental implants Dr. Lange and Dr. Fitzpatrick are able to get rid of the metals clasps that anchor to the adjacent teeth. This makes the teeth surrounding the partial healthier due to removing the stress from the clasp. Usually removable partial dentures are retained by clasps and rests on teeth adjacent to the space. These metal and sometimes plastic attachments can place enormous amount of stress on the teeth during function and could potentially lead to problems such as decay, periodontal disease, or at the very worst additional tooth loss.

Dr. Thomas Lange and Dr. Kevin Fitzpatrick will evaluate the area of the missing teeth, bone, tissue and the underlying occlusion to determine the proper location of your dental implant. These will act as the anchors for the removable appliance and potentially eliminate the need for the clasps on adjacent teeth. Depending on how many implants will be placed Dr. Thomas Lange and Dr. Kevin Fitzpatrick could eliminate the need for the use of a removable appliance.

In addition to preserving the adjacent teeth, the implant also prevents the loss of bone in the area of the missing tooth. The bone starts to melt away as soon as a tooth is lost, it looses its purpose to be there if it is not supporting a tooth. The longer the teeth are missing from the bone the more bone loss occurs. Placing a dental implant preserves the bone in the area by restoring its function to provide better stability and esthetics.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS & DENTURE RETENTION?

After a thorough examination with appropriate x-rays and study models, Dr. Thomas Lange and Dr. Kevin Fitzpatrick can help you determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. Call us at (858) 452-5520.