Immediate Dentures

This option is generally used for patients that have existing teeth and do not want to have a waiting period without teeth. The dentures are made using estimation techniques of what the bone will look like after the teeth are removed. This set of dentures does not usually fit very well, if at all, and is intended only for cosmetic purposes until the patient's bone has healed to make a complete denture, which is about 6 months. This can be a great option for those that are very concerned about going for long periods of time without teeth, but everyone is relieved when the new, better fitting set of dentures is made because they can be difficult to eat with!

Complete Dentures

This option only applies to those patients that are edentulous, or having no teeth, to begin with. There is no healing required, and the bone is usually stabilized in a position where a prosthesis that we make can last a reasonably long time.

Below you can see the positive effect of having this prosthesis!

Implant Supported Dentures

Implant supported dentures involve coordination with a Periodontal Specialist or an Oral and Maxillofacial Oral Surgeon to place typically 2 implants on the lower arch and 4 implants on the upper arch to help provide a "stick" to the prosthetic. This is a great option if you cannot tolerate palatal coverage on the upper arch or have difficulty keeping a lower denture intact on the lower arch. The denture is then made with connectors that will "snap" on to the implants. These connectors will wear over time, so maintenance of this prosthetic can be a more demanding, but it is a very rewarding option for those who just can't keep a denture in.

Implant Retained Dentures

This option is the GOLD standard for replacement of an entire arch of teeth, because it is a prosthetic that is not removed from the mouth until maintenance at the dentist occurs. This is the most permanent option for replacing a full arch, as it is not removed daily, nightly, or... ever! You don't have to worry about denture adhesive, loose snaps, or accidental loss of the prosthetic, because it requires the dentist to remove it. This option involves an Oral and Maxillofacial Oral Surgeon to place typically 6 implants on the upper arch and 4 implants on the lower arch. After implant placement, the surgeon will place a temporary printed denture; there is no time spent without teeth. In 3-6 months, the final prosthetic is made from quality materials and placed by our office. There is some maintenance required; occasionally the entire prosthetic should be removed for cleaning of the implants and the underside of the prosthetic. Each cleansing appointment ends with the prosthetic being placed back in its original position, so there is still no time spent without teeth. This option is the most costly option for full arch teeth replacement, but it is also the most permanent and natural in appearance.