Partial and Complete Dentures

Hamilton residents learn about partial and complete dentures

Losing a tooth, or teeth, whether due to trauma or tooth decay, can be upsetting. Your self-confidence is often tied to your smile and when there’s a gap in your smile, your self-esteem can take a hit. However, rest assured that the gap in your smile can be temporary. Many options are available to replace a missing tooth. However, all of the options, including bridges, implants, and dentures, can leave patients unsure about where to start.

Dentures are often chosen by patients who want a replacement tooth, or teeth, to look and feel like natural teeth but don’t have the budget for bridges or implants. There are several options when choosing dentures.

• Complete dentures are used when all of a patient’s teeth are missing or have been removed. This type of denture replaces the full set of teeth and some of the surrounding tissue of the top, bottom, or both sets of teeth.
• Partial dentures are used if only some teeth need to be replaced. This denture type is made up of replacement teeth and is attached to a plastic base that matches the inside of your mouth. These dentures snap into place using metal framework. The partial denture fills the gap created by missing teeth and keeps other teeth from moving. The denture can be removed for sleeping and cleaning.

Regardless of which option you and your dentist choose, patients are often thrilled to find out that denture technology has advanced a great deal in recent years. Today’s dentures are far more comfortable and have a more natural appearance than those that many patients remember their grandparents wearing.

Creating and receiving partial and complete dentures takes up to six weeks and several appointments. First, the dentist will make impressions and take measurements of your jaw. Next, models will be created to test the fit, shape, and color prior to casting the final denture. After the denture is created, final adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit.

Patients with dentures find that their new teeth look and function much like their natural teeth, and that most people don’t even notice the dentures. If you live in the Hamilton, ON area and need to replace missing teeth or are concerned about the health of your existing teeth, call Dr. Karen Ho of Dentistry on Parkdale. Dr. Ho and her team will work with you to ensure that your smile is healthy, complete, and happy.

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Dr. Karen Ho is a trusted dentist serving patients of all ages in Hamilton, Ontario. Having studied at prestigious institutes such as McMaster University and University of Toronto and trained at Hartford Hospital (General Practice Residency), she opened her private practice in 2003.

Dr. Ho is committed to lifelong learning as she believes that she can serve her community better by constantly updating herself. She is affiliated with many professional organisations like the Academy of General Dentistry, Institute for Clinical Practice of Pediatric Dentistry, The Dawson Academy Study Club, Niagara Peninsula Dental Diagnostic Study Club, Hamilton Chapter of the Seattle Study Club (Founding Member), and Boston and Tufts Universities.