Dentures & Partial Dentures

Dentures and partial dentures are removable dental appliances used as a replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

Dentures come in two varieties, complete and partial dentures. When all teeth are missing, complete dentures are used, when some natural teeth remain partial dentures are used. Partial dentures not only fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, but also prevent other teeth from shifting.

There are two types of complete dentures, “conventional” or “immediate.” The conventional type are made after all the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, over a period of four to six weeks.  During the healing period the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures prevent the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. They are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed. Adjustments will be made once the tissues shrink and heal.

Dentures are very durable appliances but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear over many years.

What does getting dentures involve?

Getting dentures requires several appointments over a period of several weeks. Custom dentures are made after highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken. Ensuring proper shape, color, and fit may require several “try-in” appointments. Your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit at the final appointment.

Increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty are normal to experience and will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

Your dentist will give you proper care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene including regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.