A denture is a removable dental appliance
replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to
closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures.
Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while
partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial
denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it
prevents other teeth from shifting.
A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.”
A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the
gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time
the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in
advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus
preventing 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 may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due
to normal wear.
Reasons for dentures:
-
Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
-
Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
-
Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
-
Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.
What does getting dentures involve?
The process of getting dentures
requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly
accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to
create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be
necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final
appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed
denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva
flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however
this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new
dentures.
You will be given care instructions for your
new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral
hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new
dentures.