At Keele Grand Ravine Family Dental, we offer two types of dentures:
- Full dentures replace your entire set of top or bottom teeth. You may need just one denture (top or bottom) or both top and bottom dentures for a full set. Full dentures use suction on the top denture to stay in place; a bottom denture is simply placed securely but comfortably over your bottom gums.
- Partial dentures are ideal to replace one or more teeth on the top or bottom, as long as your remaining teeth are healthy and strong to keep the partial denture in place.
Both full and partial dentures should be taken out to clean and when you sleep. Removing your dentures at night allows your gums and jaw to relax without the pressure of your dentures.
How do I choose between a partial denture and a dental implant?
If you are missing one or more teeth and either of these treatments are an option, let’s compare:
- Cost: Partial dentures are a more cost-effective option than dental implants. Implants require titanium posts secured to your jawbone, and one or more surgical appointments to complete the procedure (with healing time in between appointments).
- Removable vs. Permanent: A partial denture is a removable appliance; it can be taken out to clean and when you sleep. Dental implants are permanent artificial teeth that cannot be removed by you.
- Natural look: Partial dentures have metal clasps used to secure an artificial tooth to adjacent teeth. Depending on the location, these metal clasps may be visible when you speak and smile. Implants are colour-matched to look like a natural tooth with no visible metal.
- Wear over time: Partial dentures can rub against gums, and the metal clasps can rub against adjacent teeth over time, requiring adjustments. Dental implants do not move or rub, and feel like natural teeth.
