An over denture fits on top of natural teeth or dental implants. Many patients suffer with ill fitting and loose dentures that move or even fall out when speaking or eating. One way of solving this problem is to construct a dental plate that goes over and attaches to something underneath it. Keeping a few natural teeth or placing dental implants in the bone under the denture also helps keep the jaw bone healthy. This avoids much of the natural jaw bone loss often seen after teeth are removed. Traditional over dentures go over natural teeth. A denture can be made that goes over and attaches to one or both cuspids. Implants supported over dentures fit on top of dental implants. A retainer bar or retention balls are placed on the implants and special attachments are inserted into the denture to grab onto these retention devices. A new method using mini implant dentures is becoming increasingly popular. Mini implants are very thin, long titanium implants that screw into the jaw bone. They can be placed and old dentures can often be retrofitted to the implant.

Partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth. Partials have metal hooks that grab onto the neighboring teeth for support. Unfortunately, the hooks have a tendency to loosen up the teeth. Partial dentures have the tendency to get loose and require multiple adjustments throughout the years. On the upper, there is a large piece of metal that goes across the roof of the mouth which can interfere with taste sensation and/or have food collected under it. Additionally, the partial plate can press into the gum tissue and cause sores. The partial dental plate must be taken in and out each day for cleaning. It is certainly not an ideal alternative.

Flexible partials are very comfortable. They are made from the latest technology in thermoplastic resins.

Depending upon your condition, flexible partials may be all thermoplastic or they may be combined with Vitallium bio-compatible metal for increased strength.

A precision partial is held in place by a specifically shaped extension that locks into an area on a natural tooth that has been crowned. This ensures that the denture will not slip or come out when speaking or chewing.

An acrylic partial denture can be made when 2 or more of the patient’s teeth remain in their upper or lower jaw. This type of denture is usually made with a pink or gum colored acrylic resin. One or more wire clasps are placed around the natural teeth to assist in placing the partial denture.