A denture is a removable dental appliance and a 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 also prevents other teeth from shifting.

A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.”  A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually takes 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. If interested in an immediate type of denture, please schedule for a consultation to make sure you qualify.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear and gradual changes in the mouth.

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over a period of several weeks.  We start with an examination by our dental team and consulting over what type of denture best fits your need. Extraction of broken or infected teeth is typically done prior to making the dentures. Once the gums are all healed, 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 should 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.

What is proper homecare with a denture?

To clean a denture, you brush it using a soft toothbrush and water. Make sure to clean the inside and the outside of denture including the teeth. Using dental cleaning tablets can make it easier to get food off the denture. Patients can get plaque and calculus buildup on the denture just like normal teeth. When the denture is not in the mouth, make to leave is soaked in water. Finally the patient should also make sure to brush their own gums and tongue as well to remove any residual food debris.

What’s the different kind of partial dentures?

There are two main types of partials. One is entirely acrylic based and is also known as a stayplate; the other has a metal base along with acrylic teeth. They are both an affordable and effective way of replacing multiple teeth, and since they are removable, cleaning them easy. Metal partials are stronger, so they are better in biting areas. Plastic stayplates are not as strong but are useful temporary situations or putting less stress on the remaining teeth.