Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are an option for prosthetic tooth replacement of all of the natural teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw. Complete dentures are uniquely designed to fit the soft (gum) tissue of the mouth that covers the bony ridge. The process requires several different procedures to make sure that your denture will fit the shape of your mouth, and provide the necessary support for your face. The design of the complete denture and position of the teeth will be customized to restore good speech and appearance. Dr. Benting encourages patient participation in the customization of the dentures to ensure the end result meets each patient’s expectations.
With the passing of time, the gums and bone supporting the denture will shrink causing the denture to become loose. Periodic visits to your prosthodontist are necessary to maintain the correct fit of your denture. Additional procedures may be required to ensure the best possible fit of your removable denture. It is also important to check the overall health of your mouth to obtain optimal, long-lasting results from your treatment.
Implant Supported Dentures
One of the best ways to utilize dental implants is to support a denture. Traditional dentures rely on the support of the underlying gum tissues, which are movable and thus cause the denture to shift with eating and speaking. This instability can be uncomfortable and can cause anxiety when in a public setting. The stability of the denture is vastly improved with dental implants, which provide a solid anchor for the denture to attach. The number of implants used may vary depending on each individual case and wheather the denture is for the upper or lower arch, however the stability of the over-denture increases as does the number of dental implants used for support. Implant supported dentures provide better support allowing for increased chewing function. They also decrease shrinking of the jawbone as typically seen in long-term denture wearers and thus help retain facial contours and reduce tissue irritation that commonly occurs with traditional dentures. Patients missing all of their upper or lower teeth have significant improvements in the options available for treatment. The restorations shown here are removable and illustrate just a few of the many designs based upon a variety supporting dental implants.
Two dental implants can provide significant improvements to the retention and stability of a lower denture. Here we see how two attachments are placed onto the dental implant to correspond with the lower denture (A). Metal housings are used in the denture to allow for replacement of the attachments as needed (B). The attachment components are hidden within the definitive prosthesis (C). A design of this type requires careful consideration regarding the position of the dental implants as well as the nature of the opposing teeth.
When all of the upper teeth are missing, 4 to 6 dental implants can be strategically positioned to support a removable prosthesis designed with an opening for the palate (D, E). The appearance of the definitive prosthesis is carefully determined through anatomic landmarks and feedback from the patient in order to optimize the final result (F).
The advantages of a removable dental implant prosthesis include improved access for hygiene maintenance, and the ability to support the soft tissues particularly if the supporting structures have diminished. The most common feedback with dental implant supported restorations relates to the confidence especially in social situations. Patients describe being able to speak freely without concern that their teeth may come loose, or being able to choose from the entire menu at a restaurant rather than avoiding certain foods. As we go through the process and we begin making visible progress, that new-found confidence begins to radiate and more vibrant personalities emerge.
Denture Prosthesis
Many factors contribute to the loss of teeth. Some people are born without certain teeth; some lose their teeth because of disease or injury. Some people may cause extreme tooth wear as a result of clenching or grinding. In certain cases, cancer in the head and neck area may also produce teeth loss. Tooth loss creates both aesthetic and functional problems, resulting in unwanted changes to facial appearance, as well as a detrimental effect on chewing ability, confidence and self-esteem. Through a treatment process designed for individual needs, our patients experience improved chewing function and changes in their appearance which leads to greater self-confidence. They become more relaxed in social situations and can truly enjoy dining with friends and family.
The first patient case study illustrates advanced adult periodontitis resulting in the desire to have complete upper and lower dentures custom designed and fitted. The mid-face region above the upper lip has lost support due to missing teeth which results in a "sunken" appearance (A). The remaining teeth were removed and upper and lower dentures were placed to meet the esthetic and functional considerations of the patient (B).
The next case study also involves advanced adult periodontitis and this patient requested a custom design for complete upper and lower dentures (C). In this case, the goal was to improve the smile so that the biting edge of the upper teeth followed the lower lip line in order to position teeth in a harmonious manner with her facial features. (D).
