Dentures

A denture is a removable prosthesis that is used to replace all or some of your missing teeth in order to retain your smile and facial structure. Whether you have lost your teeth because of gum problems or decay dentures can replace your teeth and give you your smile back! They are also functional and can help you to eat and speak.

After losing your teeth you may notice that you begin to look older or grim, this is because your facial muscles no longer have support and thus the muscles begin to relax. Dentures will help to activate these muscles again and restore your facial form. The dentures will be uniquely designed to match your smile and facial form in order to give you the smile you always wanted.

Types of Dentures:

Immediate

An immediate denture is one that is typically used following a full mouth extraction. This type of denture allows you to walk out with teeth the same day as your extractions. This denture is often “temporary” due to the fact that it serves more of an esthetic purpose than functional purpose. This denture can sometimes be converted to a conventional denture or is replaced by a conventional denture.

Conventional

This type of denture is made once all of your teeth have been removed. Accurate impressions will be taken of your existing bone and gum structure after healing as taken place. Denture teeth and color then will be picked and customized for your smile. A lab-fabricated denture is then delivered to you, which is adjusted as necessary.

Overdenture

An overdenture can be fabricated to fit over a few remaining teeth or from implants. Implants or remaining teeth can serve as retentive features under the denture giving it support and stability. Overdentures are great options particularly for the lower jaw because they prevent the movement and rotation that typically occurs with a lower denture and resorbed jaw bone.

Patient Experience

A thorough examination of all remaining teeth, x-rays, jaw bones and facial structure will be completed. Your dentist will then construct a treatment plan for you that they believe to be the most ideal treatment. This plan will be presented to you and any concerns or questions will be discussed. If your dentist and you agree that dentures is the right choice for you a series of appointments will be made and the process will begin. Remaining teeth will be removed and you will be given any where from1-3 months to heal. Once the healing process is completed your dentist will begin to collect molds of your upper and lower jaws and gums. The dentures will be made by a lab and delivered to you by the dentist.

As with everything there will be a learning curve involved with having dentures. They will fill awkward at first until your muscles, tongue, and cheek get used to them. Sore spots during the first couple of weeks are completely normal and your dentist can adjust these areas for you to help relieve the pain. It is important that your oral hygiene is maintained while using dentures. They must be removed at night and soaked in water, and you must continue to brush your gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush.