Upper False Teeth Options

What types of dentures are available?

Immediate Denture

An immediate denture is just like a traditional denture but it can be placed immediately after extractions. Not everyone is a candidate for an immediate denture so speak with your dentist and implant specialist to see if this is an option for you.

Dental Bridge

Instead of clasps, a dental bridge uses crowns to fix the bridge onto the neighboring teeth with a false tooth, or pontic, spanning the gap to replace the missing tooth.

Alternatives to Traditional Dentures

While traditional partial and full dentures are removable, there is an option for patients who want a more permanent solution. Dental implants can be placed to stabilize a denture and can be a much more natural-looking and comfortable way to replace teeth.

A dental implant is a titanium or zirconia post that is surgically placed directly into the jaw bone by either an oral surgeon or periodontist. Using a local anesthetic, your doctor will make a small incision in the gum tissue and then drill a small hole in the jaw bone in which the implant is inserted.

Dental implants need a sufficient amount of bone structure for support. The implant will fuse with the bone and this integration provides a secure and stable base for the restoration. There is an extensive healing period of up to six months for proper integration before the restoration can be placed.

Dental implants have the added benefit of supporting bone structure. Tooth roots help stimulate bone regeneration and a dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root. When patients wear a traditional denture for a number of years, their bone structure can actually begin to deteriorate.

This deterioration causes noticeable changes in facial structure and can cause the denture to become ill-fitting and uncomfortable.

Implant-supported Denture

An implant-supported denture is just that, a denture that uses dental implants to be held in place. Implants can support a partial or full denture, using more implants for a full denture. This is one of the most natural-looking denture options available, unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive.

Also called an all-on-four (or six, or eight!) implant-supported denture is a great option for patients who are willing and able to endure the extensive treatment time.

Implant-supported dentures can last much longer than traditional dentures which need to be replaced every ten years or so. Implant-supported dentures can easily last up to 25 years, only needing to be replaced due to normal wear and tear.

This is a permanent denture that cannot be removed by the patient, only by a dentist.

Snap-in Denture

A snap-in denture is a bit more cost-effective than an all-on-four but is just as stable and secure. This type of denture is still held in place using dental implants but is actually able to be removed by the patient.

If you are missing a significant number of teeth or have to have some extracted, speak with your dentist to see what denture options are available and which will be best for your individual case and lifestyle.

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Related: Dental Implant Team