Durable Solutions to Replacing Teeth
Dentures are a durable, long-lasting appliance used to replace teeth and surrounding gums. These appliances are removable and can restore or enhance your original smile.
Two types of dentures
- Complete Dentures: These are used to replace all the teeth on either arch. The patient may choose if they want conventional or immediate dentures. Conventional dentures allow for the mouth to heal before they are put in place. The patient may go up to 6 weeks (healing time varies) without teeth. Immediate dentures are made prior to pulling the real teeth and can be used right away, but adjustments will have to be made once healed.
- Partial Dentures: These are used when some or most of the patient’s real teeth are remaining. Partial dentures keep the remaining teeth from shifting by filling in the spaces.
Dentures may be an option for you if you have lost several or all of your teeth, want to enhance your smile and the surrounding structures, or want to improve functions as talking and eating.
What is the process?
Getting dentures takes many appointments over a longer period of time (usually several weeks). Impressions and measurements need to be taken prior to your dentures being made to ensure a proper fit. It may take more than one appointment to get your dentures to the right fit, but at your last appointment, your dentist will make sure the dentures are fit precisely and comfortably.
At first, you may have some trouble talking and chewing as your mouth adjusts to the dentures, but this will subside.
Properly cleaning your dentures and maintaining good oral health is important. Contact your dentist if you have any questions about dentures.