General DentistryRemovable prosthesis

Partial dentures are removable dental prostheses that are used for patients that are missing some of their teeth; the restoration is anchored or latched onto the patient’s remaining natural teeth. They may have a metal framework and clasps that connect to your teeth, or they can have other connectors that are more natural looking. Internal attachments that latch onto adjacent teeth are crucial in ensuring that removable partial dentures do not shift or fall out when the patient uses them. Removable partial dentures are effective, not only in filling in the gaps created by missing teeth, but also in preventing the remaining natural teeth from drifting out of position.

Complete dentures, on the other hand, are used to replace all of the teeth in the patient’s upper maxillary or lower mandibular arch. A conventional complete denture is a type of removable dental prostheses that is inserted into the mouth after the gums have completely healed from tooth extraction. Because the gums may take some time to heal, the complete denture may not be used by the patient for a certain amount of time, during which he may have to go without teeth. Immediate complete dentures, however , are inserted into the patient’s mouth immediately after all the teeth have been extracted. The patient will not have to go without teeth, but as the gums and tissues heal, they will shrink and this will cause the removable dental prostheses to come loose and a readjustment will be necessary after a certain period of time. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a poorly fitting denture. Dentures that do not fit properly should be adjusted by your dentist. Poorly fitting dentures can cause various problems, including sores or infections. Come see Dr. Oliveira if your denture becomes loose. If you have just received your new complete or partial dentures, see the post-operative instructions.