As an alturnative to bridges and implants, dentures can be used to replace several missing teeth. 

 

 

 

It is possible to get either full, or partial dentures.  Full dentures remain in place by form fitting to the gum ridges.This creates a strong suction that is usually enough to keep them comfortably in place

 

Partial dentures often have additional ridges that fit around the natural teeth helping them stay in place.

It can take several visits to the dentist in order to be properly fit with a denture.  The dentist will take several impressions of the gums, and send these to a dental lab. The lab uses these impressions to construct your dentures.   On the next appointment, you and your dentist will check the dentures to ensure that your bit is correct and that the dentures meet your approval. 

Considerations

One of the significant disadvantages of dentures is resorbtion of the underlying bone.  The bone is normally maintained by the stresses of chewing.  When the teeth have been removed, the bone is no longer subject to the same stress, and therefore begins to atrophy.  The use of dental implants instead of dentures maintains the same kinds of stress on the underlying bone and prevents bone resorbtion.