Dentures are a traditional way to replace many missing teeth. Depending on the patients' needs, they may receive full or partial dentures. The denture teeth are made of high quality, life-like, layered plastic, and come in many different shades and shapes to fit your mouth. The denture teeth are set in either acrylic denture base material or a newer flexible nylon polymer.
Full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are removed or missing from the mouth. There are two types of full dentures.
- Conventional Full Dentures - This is when all the teeth are removed or already missing. If the teeth are removed, the gum tissue and the bone is given time to heal before the dentures are fabricated. It could take a few months for your mouth to heal completely, and during this time you will be without teeth.
- Immediate Full Dentures - Prior to having your teeth removed, your dentist takes measurements, gum tissue contours are estimated, and has dentures made for your mouth. After the teeth are removed, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a follow up visit to refit your dentures because the jaw bone and gum tissue will change shape as your mouth heals. The dentures will need to be re-fitted (relined) after your mouth has completely healed, usually in a few months.
Partial dentures are an option when not all of your teeth need to be removed or are missing. This is similar to a bridge, but it is not permanently fixed in your mouth like a bridge. The partial denture uses the remaining teeth and the gum tissue to support the replacement teeth. Your partial denture may be made entirely of acrylic or nylon polymer, or it may have a metal framework under the acrylic or the nylon.
Removable full or partial dentures usually take some time to get used to. The flesh colored base of the dentures, which is placed over your gums can feel bulky or cause irritations. Other times, the dentures might feel loose. Over time, you will get used to eating and speaking with your dentures. Some people never get completely comfortable with removable dentures, but many people do and can function very well with them.
Even though dentures are not real teeth, you need to care for them properly. We will advise you of specific proper care routine. Also, never try to adjust your dentures yourself. Always seek assistance from us if they feel uncomfortable or loose.