Dentures
A denture is a removable appliance for the replacement of missing teeth. They are made to closely resemble your own natural teeth and can enhance your smile. A denture sits on the bone ridge and gum tissue.
There are two types of dentures.
- Complete denture – replaces all the teeth in your mouth.
- Partial denture – replaces some teeth but not all of them.
An immediate denture is a prosthesis that is made ahead of time prior to getting all your teeth removed. This allows immediate placement after extractions. This sequence allows a patient never to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues heal and shrink, adjustments will be made and a reline can be done. A reline can be done about 3-4 months after extractions. This is where we add material to the partial or denture to fill any gaps from where the bone has shrunk after healing.
Because, dentures are removable, they are never as good as your natural teeth. There is the option of dental implants underneath the denture that would “snap” the denture in place. This gives a more rigid or fixed feel to the denture.
Denture Problems
- Sore spots can occur because your mouth anatomy changes over time and your dentures do not. You may need some adjustments or a reline to the denture if an uncomfortable spot develops in your mouth.
- Bad odors or discoloration can be from bacteria buildup. You can bring your denture or partial in for us to professionally clean them, if your normal cleaning regimen isn’t doing the trick.
- Broken or chipped dentures can usually be repaired.
- Dentures and partials can also become loose if you’ve had a great weight loss.
Old and worn out dentures can make you look much older than you are.
Same patient, before and after picture. What a difference this made.