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What are Dentures?

Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. They are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissue of the oral cavity. There are two types of complete dentures, including conventional and immediate dentures. Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, while immediate dentures are placed right after the teeth are removed. Both types of dentures can be made from a combination of metal or plastic, acrylic resin or flexible nylon material. Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are extracted. Although this type of denture does not require the patient to go without teeth during the healing period, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly during the healing process. Once healing is complete, the immediate denture can then be converted into a conventional denture. A conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been extracted to allow for proper jaw and mouth adaptation.

How are Dentures made?

Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth, which will be sent to the lab where your dentures will be made. The lab uses these impressions to make a mold of your teeth and gums for construction purposes. This allows the denture to fit precisely over your gums and stay in place without slipping or becoming loose over time. Once it is finished, your dentist will check the fit of the denture and if adjustments are needed, they will be done. The denture will be polished to ensure it is comfortable in your mouth. It should fit securely and should only require minimal adjustments if any at all. Most patients report being able to speak normally and eat after their dentures are placed. Dental technology has come a long way in recent years making getting dentures easier than ever before.

Why are Dentures needed?

A missing tooth or teeth can affect your health in a number of ways. When a tooth is missing, the remaining teeth may shift out of position. The surrounding gum tissue and bone can begin to deteriorate without the tooth root present to stimulate new growth. This can lead to additional tooth loss and discomfort. Missing teeth can also affect your speech and ability to eat certain foods. Not to mention, a missing tooth can be embarrassing!

Replacing missing teeth with a removable partial denture will fill in the gaps in your smile and prevent any further problems. Partial dentures are custom-created to fit comfortably in your mouth and restore the function and appearance of your smile. Choose between metal-free partial dentures, which are made of flexible resin-based materials, and traditional partials with metal framework. Both types of appliances fit securely in place to stay in place throughout the day.