Full or Partial Dentures

Dentures are an affordable way to replace any number of missing teeth in your mouth. They have a long history of success and continue to earn a place in the list of options for rebuilding your smile.

Dentures are removable substitutes for missing teeth. Full dentures are used when a person is missing all their natural teeth, while partial dentures replace only a few missing teeth here or there to eliminate gaps and improve chewing. Denture treatment is customized specifically to each patient, and Dr. Shirley can help you decide which option works best for you.

Full Dentures (conventional and implant-supported)

Sometimes dental conditions, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can become unmanageable. This may lead to the decision to remove your remaining teeth on one or both arches. Full dentures are an economical and efficient way to restore your function and smile.

A complete denture consists of a thin gum-colored acrylic base that rests on the gum tissue. Porcelain or acrylic replacement teeth built into the base give the appearance of natural teeth. We know that your smile is unique, and Dr. Shirley has the experience to help you select the teeth that will look the most natural. This also gives you the option to customize the way you look; whether you want a "new" smile, or want to recreate the one you had.

While dentures boast a long history of successful use, modern technology offers some options to enhance the way dentures fit and the way you look. In many cases, dentures can be secured more firmly to your jaw with the use of  dental implants, placed in the jaw. In addition to having greater retention and a more natural look, implant-supported dentures tend to last longer. Dr. Shirley can discuss these options and help you understand the ways they can improve your experience with dentures.

Partial Dentures

Whether you've lost one tooth or many, chewing and smiling can become more difficult because of the gaps in your smile. Partial dentures are an economical solution to replace missing teeth, fill in the spaces, improve chewing ability, and restore your confidence to smile. A partial denture will also help keep your natural teeth from shifting, lowering the risk of losing those teeth in the future.

Most partial dentures contain a thin metal framework that is designed with small metal clasps that wrap around the gum line of existing teeth. This allows for a smooth, non-bulky feel. The framework is supported by your natural teeth to provide a reliable, secure appliance that is easy to use and remove. Where teeth are missing, natural-looking replacement teeth are attached, and gum-colored acrylic is used to cover the metal framework. Remember your mouth and your needs are unique, and Dr. Shirley works with skilled technicians to create a solution that is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.

With advances in technology, implants can also be used to support removable partial dentures, improving the fit while reducing the bulkiness of the appliance. Dentures inherently bring some challenges, especially to new wearers. Our goal is to minimize the everyday frustrations and keep you as comfortable as possible.

We look forward to discussing your options to make your mouth full again and to give you back a confident, glowing smile!