Full dentures are removable devices that are designed to replace a full arch of missing teeth on the upper or lower jaw. Dentures are acrylic-based devices that fit over your gum tissue to provide you with a functional chewing surface and teeth to smile with after all of your natural teeth have been extracted. Dentures may never feel quite the same as your natural teeth, but are more comfortable and realistic looking than ever with today’s dental technology.

Full upper dentures are held in by the suction that is created by the acrylic base of the denture that is placed over the roof of your mouth (palate). In most cases, this suction is more than sufficient enough to retain your denture and allow you to function normally with it.

Full lower dentures are shaped like a horseshoe to allow space for your tongue to function. The lower denture is designed to fit specifically to the contours of your lower jaw bone to provide stability. Lower dentures do not have the suction properties of an upper denture, but are effective as a removable replacement of missing teeth.

Dental technology now allows us to create dentures that can “snap” into dental implants. Dental implants are placed into your jaw bone and are left to heal for a period of months. Once healing is complete, the implants become a permanent fixture in your mouth. Abutments can then be placed onto the implants, which are designed to allow your upper or lower denture to “snap” into place. Implant-retained dentures give you the comfortable feeling of knowing that your denture is temporarily fixed in your mouth, allowing you to chew, smile and function normally.

Keep in mind that every case is different, and we will help to determine which type of denture is best for your specific set of circumstances.