Dentures Procedure

Dentists Dr. Stephen Malone and Dr. Michael J. Costa, Jr. of Knoxville, TN, take pride in customizing the highest quality dentures and providing alternative denture solutions. They have the expertise and experience to provide a wide variety of dentures for patients with missing teeth. In addition to full and partial removable dentures, they offer dental implant supported and dental implant retained options for better-than-ever function and long-lasting results.

Because dental technology keeps advancing, if you have lost or are about to lose all of your teeth on the lower arch, a removable denture is no longer your best option for a high quality of life. In fact, implant supported lower dentures are now the standard of care. As you read about the various types of dentures below, you will understand the benefits far out weight the cost.

“Patients come to me desperate to find a solution so they can eat the foods they have always loved and can live a normal life,” said Dr. Malone, in a recent interview. “Imagine sitting down to Thanksgiving Dinner with all of your family around you and not being able to keep your prosthetic teeth in place long enough to comfortably chew the turkey or laugh at the family’s jokes. You’d do just about anything to have your teeth back. The good news is that with today’s dental implant options, we can find a solution that works for you.”

Traditional Removable Dentures

Today’s custom fabricated dentures are nearly undetectable. 

  • A “full” denture is used when all of the teeth are missing on the upper or lower jaw. Full dentures consist of a gum-colored base that is made from acrylic plastic, and a complete set of false teeth that look and function similar to natural teeth. When dentures are placed in the mouth, they are held in place with natural suction in a seal that is formed between the denture and the gums, but patients may also choose to use denture adhesives for additional support.
  • “Partial” dentures also are usually made with an acrylic plastic base, and they support prosthetic teeth to fill gaps due to missing teeth. Partial dentures typically have clasps that are used to attach the denture to the adjacent teeth, helping to keep them securely in place. 

Both full and partial traditional dentures are “removable” by the patient for cleaning and while asleep at night.

If you have worn a removable denture for a while, the bone tissue under the denture has started to resorb, the bone has decreased in size and changed in shape. The gum tissue overlying the bone has conformed to the new contour of the bone. The result is a denture that no long fits ideally. The movement of the denture can be quite frustrating…even uncomfortable. The adhesion of your denture may be inadequate, contributing to slippage. Changes in your bite can affect your jaw joints and muscles, adding to discomfort.

Let us improve your denture solution and improve your life! We are well known throughout Knoxville for finding optimal implant and denture solutions for patients who have given up hope.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Today, both full and partial full dentures can be supported on dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone. These “implant-supported” dentures are snapped into place on the implants using a ball and socket type of attachments or a metal bar that runs along the gum line and on which the denture rests and is clipped. Implant supported dentures are designed to be removed by the patient for cleaning and can be removed before sleep.

Implant-supported dentures have advantages.

The main advantages of implant-supported dentures are increased biting strength and non-slippage, which provide for increased comfort, easier eating, and improved social confidence. This enhanced stability also results in longer lasting dentures. What’s more, mini implants can be used with implant-supported dentures, and each miniature implant acts like a tooth root, not only supporting the denture but also stimulating bone growth.

This bone growth helps preserve the natural facial structure.

Implant-supported denture treatment is easy.

Mini implants can be easily inserted in your jawbone using a local anesthetic. There are no sutures, pain or months of post-operative healing prior to receiving your denture. In the first treatment appointment for an implant-supported denture, impressions of your mouth will be made, and we will schedule you for a second appointment. Between the two appointments, we will design the denture to be fabricated by our preferred, expert lab technician. At the second appointment, your mini implants, denture attachments, and the denture will be placed—all in one appointment.

Fixed Hybrid Dentures

All-on-4, or “hybrid,” dentures are an alternative to removable or implant-supported full dentures. They are used when patients need replacement teeth for their full upper or lower arch and want the stability of dental implants, but are a more economical alternative to a full arch of implants because they can be placed with as few as four implants per arch. These fixed dentures cannot be removed by the patient, are worn during sleep, and are cleaned like natural teeth with special attention to cleaning under the edge where the denture meets your gum tissue. Depending on the circumstances, sometimes more than four implants are used in a jaw for more predictable results.

Hybrid dentures are versatile and can be used on just the bottom arch, just the top arch, or both depending on your individual needs. In particular, patients often choose hybrid dentures for the lower arch because traditional removable dentures have less natural suction on the lower jaw, making them more likely to slip or become dislodged by the tongue. Hybrid dentures are the first choice for many patients because they do not need to be removed and inserted by the patient, they provide the ultimate stability, and they are the most lifelike in function and care.

Your satisfaction with your denture is priority #1.

We want you to be totally happy with your denture. With so many choices and considerations, Dr. Malone and Dr. Costa spend a lot of time with patients, explaining the options and helping them consider what is right for them. We aim to help you learn about your choices and make treatment decisions that are right for you, so if you need time to think or want to bring a family member with you to learn about the options and help you decide, we support this. If you want a second opinion, we understand. If you need a second opinion, we can do this as well.

We spend time making sure the design of your denture will optimally fit, function and appear naturally beautiful. For all our dentures, we use the latest, highest quality dental materials, ensuring the most beautiful esthetics and long-lasting results. No matter which type of denture you choose from among those appropriate for you, we will provide you with in-depth information on what to expect before, during, and after your treatment, including how to adjust to wearing your denture in the first few weeks. We also schedule a follow-up appointment for you to come in soon after your denture is placed so we can talk about any questions that you have, as well as check the fit of your denture and make adjustments as needed. 

We strive to make dental treatment affordable. If you have a dental benefits plan, keep in mind that your plan may cover some or all of the cost of your denture(s). We also offer financing options, including interest-free financing for up to 12 or 24 months.

Schedule Your Initial Denture Consultation Today!

Learn what is possible for your circumstances, ask questions, and begin the process of deciding which type of denture is most appropriate for you.

Dr. Micheal Costa

Dr. Costa

Dr. Stephen Malone

Dr. Malone


Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry offers a unique dental care experience to our patients in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. The crew is committed to protecting and increasing the natural beauty of your smile by employing conservative, cutting-edge techniques that result in attractive, long-lasting smiles!

Our dedicated and experienced team of doctors includes Dr. Stephen Malone, D.M.D., University of Louisville, and Dr. Michael Costa, D.D.S., UNC School of Dentistry, M.H.A., UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, NC. They are firm believers in continuing education to provide their patients with the finest possible care.

Drs. Costa and Malone see their patients as real partners in their service. Our team is committed to making your dental care journey as pleasant as possible.

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