Dentures & Partial Dentures
A denture is a removable dental appliance that fills in missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and can greatly enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it helps to prevent other teeth from shifting.
A Complete denture can be either "conventional" or "immediate." A conventional typ eusually takes 4 to 6 weeks, and is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, this prevents the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but due to normal wear may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted.
Reasons for dentures:
Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.
Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
What does getting dentures involve?
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, that can last over several weeks. Accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are used to create your custom denture. Several "try-in" or fitting appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will place the completed denture and properly adjust it, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
Increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty is normal, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues adjust to the new dentures.
You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Correct and careful cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.
