Dentures are appliances used to replace missing teeth. Partial dentures replace some of the missing teeth in an arch, while full dentures replace all the teeth. There are several ways to hold either type of denture in place, and your dentist can discuss the various options with you at your initial consultation appointment. Well-fitting dentures allow patients to chew properly and smile with confidence


Partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth, when several good teeth are still present in an arch. These replacement teeth are held in place by "clasps" or support anchors that grip on to stable teeth, and hold the appliance in place. Partial dentures can be made of tooth-colored acrylic, or strengthened with a metal substructure.

Flex Partial Dentures


Partial Dentures

Full Dentures are used to replace all teeth that are missing in an upper or lower jaw. They are made of a gum tissue-colored acrylic (a hardened plastic material) base, and very natural-looking porcelain or acrylic teeth. Dentures are held in place by suction, however when a patient's jaws are too shrunken or small to adequately support a denture, they can be stabilized by implants.

Here's an example of a full denture stabilized by implants. The brass fittings imbedded in the denture snap down on to the silver implant fixtures, and securely holds the denture in place. This is much more effective than denture adhesives for keeping dentures in place.

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