Dentures and Partial Dentures
Dentures closely resemble your natural teeth and may enhance your smile. A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and surrounding tissue.
The two types of dentures can be classified as complete or partial dentures. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth, partials are used when some of your natural teeth remain. A partial denture prevents the teeth from shifting, and fills in the spaces created by missing teeth.
There are two classifications of a complete denture. It may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” The conventional denture is made after the removal of the teeth and the gum tissue has had time to heal, approximately 4 to 6 weeks. The patient will be without teeth during this time. An immediate denture is made in advance and placed immediately after the teeth are removed. This prevents the patient from having a healing process without teeth. Adjustments to the immediate denture will be made when the tissues have shrunk and healed.
Dentures can handle normal wear, and last many years. They may have to be repaired or remade at times due to normal wear.
Some common 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?
Several appointments over several weeks will be included in the process of getting dentures. Impressions are taken to create a custom denture. There will be several appointments where the dentures will be tried to ensure the proper fit, shape and color. At the final appointment, your dentist will adjust the completed denture, precisely placing it and ensuring a comfortable and natural fit.
When your denture is fitted it is normal to experience soreness, speech and chewing difficulty and increased saliva flow. This will subside as your tissues and muscles get used to the new dentures.
The proper cleaning of your new dentures, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.
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