Dental Implants…Why not have a denture?

Removable “partial” denture

This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. The metal hooks and clamps damage the teeth they are hooked onto. Chewing can’t be compared to that of an implant. This denture is made of plastic with metal hooks and clamps. These metal hooks are usually visible in the smile. It is common for food to get stuck under the removable partial causing bad breath. It causes damage to the teeth it is attached to. On the upper jaw, the roof of the mouth must be covered with plastic or metal. For a lower partial, the tongue area behind the front teeth must be covered for stability. Partials move when you chew. Research has proven that patients that wear a partial, end up in full dentures as they age.

Regular Removable Full Denture

A denture that is loosely placed on top of the gum to cover the lost teeth. This alternative has no real advantages – except for its low price and easy installation.

The disadvantages are many: discomfort in eating, gagging, bad breath, poor esthetics, affected speech, and sore gums from denture movement. Moreover, a full denture placed in the upper jaw severely reduces the sense of taste. This is the lowest quality tooth replacement available. Most patients with a full lower denture say that it is miserable.