Dentures & Partial Dentures

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. They are made to resemble your natural teeth and can even enhance your smile.

There are two main types of dentures:

• Complete dentures: These are used when all teeth are missing in an arch, providing full restoration to the smile and chewing function. They can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed.

• Partial dentures: These are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and helps prevent remaining teeth from shifting.

How Can Full & Partial Dentures Help Me?

Dentures are highly durable and can last many years with proper care. Moreover, they provide several benefits, such as:

• Replace all teeth missing in an arch.

• Allow the remaining natural teeth to stay in place when several teeth are missing.

• Restore a natural, aesthetically pleasing smile.

• Improve your ability to chew and speak clearly, enhancing your overall quality of life.

• Designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a natural-looking smile.

What Does Getting Dentures Involve?

The process of getting dentures typically requires several appointments over a few weeks. Here’s what you can expect:

1. During this appointment, your dentist will assess your mouth and take impressions of your gums and remaining teeth. These molds will be used to create custom dentures that fit comfortably and securely.

2. You may need a few “try-in” appointments to ensure that the dentures fit properly and that the color and shape are to your liking. Adjustments can be made to ensure a natural look and feel.

3. Once the dentures are ready, your dentist will carefully place them in your mouth and make any final adjustments for a comfortable fit.

It’s normal to experience some soreness, increased saliva flow, and difficulty chewing or speaking when you first get dentures. These sensations will subside as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance.