Dentures

Treating the problem of missing teeth...
In most cases, the problem of broken down or missing teeth is not difficult to treat.  However, if such treatment is delayed, more extensive tooth and bone loss can require more expensive and involved treatment.  It is certainly best to treat such problems immediately in order to be able to take advantage of the simplest, most effective, least expensive solutions.

Replacing missing teeth is an essential part of maintaining your long-term oral health.  While gum disease is the leading cause of missing teeth in adults, this can be prevented through daily brushing and flossing and periodic oral hygiene visits.

Dentures
If you have lost all of your natural teeth, be it from periodontal disease, decay, or injury, full dentures can be a good option.  They replace your natural teeth and provide support for cheeks and lips.  This decreases the sagging of the facial muscles often associated with missing teeth.

A full denture has a framework, called the base, made of flesh-colored acrylic plastic.  The base of the upper denture covers the roof of your mouth (the palate) while that of the lower is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate the tongue.  The gum and bone tissues of the dental ridge support the denture.  A seal is created between the palate and the base of the upper denture by a thin layer of saliva, while cheek muscles and the tongue help to hold the lower denture in place.

Implant-Retained Dentures
A complete denture may also be attached to several implants which attach to the jaw, providing a secure fit.  One major advantage to this type of denture is that reduces bone shrinkage normally resulting from missing teeth.

Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth, allowing you to achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy appearance, while enjoying improved fit and function.