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. There is a new category created by the successes of dental implants, and that is a removable denture that rests on top of rock-solid implants. Snap attachments can be made that hold the appliance in place so that there is no movement during function.
Most of the dentures that we do these days involve replacing older, worn-out dentures. There are very few new dentures, as we can usually save the existing teeth or replace them with dental implants.
Dentures are very durable appliances and can last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear or the materials or the shrinkage in the bone and gum.
Reasons for dentures:
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Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
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Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
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Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
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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, we will precisely place the completed denture and adjust the bite, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow and possibly some speech and chewing adjustments; however, these will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures. Any sore spots under the denture that last more than a couple of days will need to be adjusted in the dental office to relieve any pressure spots.
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.