Senior citizens and patients who have missing teeth due to untreated gum disease or tooth infections often asked their dentists about 
dentures. Dentures are dental devices that cover up spaces and gaps in the teeth. Their purpose is to restore a patient’s smile for cosmetic and functional reasons (chewing and biting into food). Learn about the different types of dentures that are available at A Bishop Street Dental Practice in Honolulu, HI.
Complete Dentures
When all of the teeth are missing on the top row, bottom row or both rows, complete dentures can restore your smile. A full row of false teeth made of resin or porcelain are fashioned to a pink gum-colored base made of acrylic resin that is sized to fit securely over your natural gumline. The process of making a full set of dentures ensures that the “teeth” are hard and resilient so that it will last for a long time.
Partial Dentures
Some patients only have one, two or a few adjacent missing teeth. In this case, partial dentures can fill in the gaps. A partial is a smaller device that has a metal framework designed to anchor to the teeth you still have in your mouth. You can easily remove the partial when sleeping and click it back in after brushing. A similar but more permanent solution offered by your Honolulu dentist is a bridge, which uses crowns to stay in place.
Implant-Supported Dentures
With the increased popularity of dental implants, many patients are now inquiring about implant-supported dentures. About four implants are installed below the gumline that will hold a full or partial denture device securely in place. The denture can be permanently affixed to the gumline or be removable (clips keep them in place). Keep in mind that you need to allow time for the implants to heal—usually about five or six months.
Find Out Which Dentures Are Right for You
If you have missing teeth, there’s a good chance that you’re a candidate for one of these denture appliances. Call Dr. Garrett Hayashi today at (808) 536-5090 to schedule an exam at his Honolulu, HI, dentist office.