Dentures
A denture is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth, and provides support for the cheeks and lips. We can make complete dentures if all teeth are missing or partial dentures if a few teeth are missing.
A denture is made after the teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have had the proper amount of time to heal.
Complete dentures:
- An upper denture has acrylic that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
- A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.
- These take 4-6 appointments to make, due to needing to fit the denture to your gums properly. We work with a lab that sets the teeth to give you back a beautiful smile.
PARTIAL DENTURES CAN BE MADE 2 WAYS:
- Metal framework partial: these have a metal base and are used typically if you have a very strong bite and need a more heavy-duty material. Pink acrylic is stacked on top and natural colored teeth are placed in the acrylic for a beautiful smile.
- Flexible acrylic partial: these are used in very esthetic areas and in patients who do not have issues of severe wear on teeth. This material is getting stronger each day, and most of our partials are now made this way for the best cosmetic look.
The teeth are made of porcelain and we match the color to your natural teeth. Complete dentures can be fabricated to fit over dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.
Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.