There are several types of denture : both are removable

• Full Dentures - replacement where no teeth are present in upper or lower jaw
• Partial Dentures - replace teeth where some teeth are present - use clasps for denture to be stable

FULL DENTURES: this is an acrylic prosthesis that replaces the dentition in a situation where there are no teeth either in the upper or lower jaw.  The upper full denture is the most retentive because of suction created with the proper borders and position of the acrylic base. 

Complications of full dentures:

• lack of saliva (radiation or medication) - especially needed in upper denture for suction; this can cause the denture to be loose, cause irritation, or unable to eat due to excessive movement. Patient uses denture adhesive and/or salivary substitutes to enhance suction
• lack of bone - if the patient had teeth removed early in life, the bone naturally resorbs after teeth have been removed or has been lost from periodontal (gum) disease. Sometimes the denture has no base to rest on and the denture is very uncomfortable - adhesives can be used or an implant system can anchor the denture (see implant section in Service section of this site)

PARTIAL DENTURES: This prosthesis is used when some teeth are present and the teeth are used to help retain the denture.

Complications of partial dentures:

• fabrication - the clasps must be expertly positioned on the teeth to avoid causing damage to those teeth; frequent exams needed to monitor how the clasps are functioning
• bone resorption - if the denture begins to rock/torque due to bone loss, this can cause the loss of the existing teeth; also requires frequent monitoring

Breaking the prosthesis can occur over time - physical items do wear out and the life expendancy of these items can be 5-8years.  However, everyone's bite is different and if excessive biting pressure is evident (grinding/bruxism/clenching), these dentures may have a shorter life span