Dentures

Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic dental devices designed to help individuals with missing teeth chew food, improve speaking habits, and improve facial aesthetics. The absence of teeth can sometimes lead to a sunken or collapsed appearance in the mouth area. By restoring the physical presence of teeth, the malformation is corrected, the individual’s mouth is supported, and their appearance is improved aesthetically.

Aesthetic dentures are custom crafted to provide an exact, comfortable fit and to enhance overall facial features. The shade of the teeth is precisely selected, and the differences in tooth shape and size are specifically chosen based on each individual’s age, gender, and unique facial characteristics. In addition, dentures are designed to replicate the natural gum tissue while providing the appropriate structure and support for lips, cheeks, and face.

Types Of Dentures

Complete Dentures (Full Dentures)

Complete dentures are only required for individuals who have lost or most of their teeth on either arch of the mouth.

Fixed Partial Dentures

Most people missing only a few teeth opt for fixed partial dentures, known as “crown and bridge.” Fixed partial dentures must be precisely installed, especially between healthy teeth.

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures differ from fixed partial dentures in that they usually are only used by individuals who have lost too many teeth for fixed dentures but lose too few teeth for full dentures.

Stability Of Dentures

Over the course of treating Fitchburg patients for 30+ years, our dental practice, Brian C. McDowell, DDS, has found that the most common issue with dentures is their ability to remain in place and secure while using. The ability to stay securely in place is based on the following factors:

Support

The denture may clasp tighter and tighter to the gums as the mouth is chewing food. The better the support, the less likely the denture will move vertically closer to the arch in which it is situated.

Strength

Movement in the horizontal plane or “slipping” front to back or side to side. This type of movement can be harmful to a patient. A quality denture prevents movement or slippage and maintains continuous contact with the gums. However, this heavily depends on the patient’s gum health and oral anatomy.

Retention

Retention is when the denture moves vertically away from the gums. The custom craftsmanship of the denture is tested here; the better the intaglio, or inside of the denture, copies the oral topography, the more effective the seal.

Maxillary dentures, used for the top teeth, connect better with toothless gums due to improved suction from the smooth surface. Yet, a mandibular denture, used for the bottom teeth, is much more practical and effective for a patient who retains some teeth.

Schedule A Consultation At Brian McDowell, DDS

Call our team today at 978-252-2049 to schedule a consultation for dentures with Dr. Brian McDowell at our Fitchburg dental office. With over 30 years of experience, our office treats patients from Fitchburg, Lunenburg, Leominster, Westminster, Gardner, and many other surrounding areas.

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