Dentures

Why would I need dentures?

Dentures are replaceable teeth appliances that can be taken out and put back in at your discretion. These appliances help return your smile to a natural-looking state and give you the function of teeth if you have missing teeth or teeth that need to be removed due to damage. Missing teeth can lead to sagging in the facial muscles, making you appear much older. Dentures offer a solution to help you fill out your face and restore your smile.

How do dentures work?

Before selecting dentures for you, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine which, if any, teeth need to be removed to accommodate the replacements. Loose or damaged teeth are extracted, and the dentures are specially designed to cover any remaining teeth.

Many people find that the first few weeks of having dentures are uncomfortable. Initially, the dentures may move out of place until your facial muscles get adjusted to holding them in place. You may experience an increase in saliva. Your mouth may also feel irritated or sore. Nonetheless, most patients find that these problems go away completely once the mouth adjusts to the dentures.

What are the different types of dentures?

There are two main types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are gone or must be removed. With conventional complete dentures, the teeth are removed and the dentures are designed and fitted several months afterward. With immediate complete dentures, the dentures are able to be inserted right away.

Partial dentures are tooth replacements that are used when some of the natural teeth are still in place. These dentures are generally connected to a plastic base that is a fused to a metal framework that allows the dentures to remain in place inside the mouth.