Full Dentures & Partial Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances that closely resemble your natural teeth while enhancing your smile. They are used to replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissue.

The two types of dentures are partial dentures and complete dentures. A partial denture fills in the gaps created by missing teeth while also preventing more teeth from shifting. As opposed to complete dentures, which are used when all teeth are missing, partial dentures are utilized when there are still some natural teeth remaining.

Complete dentures have the option of being either “immediate” or “conventional.” Immediate dentures are made in advance and get placed on the teeth immediately after they are removed. This helps prevent the patient from having to be without any teeth during the healing process. However, adjustments will have to be made once the tissues heal and shrink. Meanwhile, a conventional denture is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. This typically takes 4 to 6 weeks and the patient will have to be without teeth during this time.

Although they might have to be repaired, readjusted, or remade because of normal wear, dentures are typically very high durable appliances that can last for many years.

Reasons for dentures:

• Complete Denture – Loss of all teeth in an arch.
• Partial Denture – Loss of several teeth in an arch.
• Improve speech, chewing, and digestion.
• Enhancement of facial tissues and smile.

What does getting dentures involve?

Getting dentures usually takes several appointments over the course of several weeks. Extremely accurate measurements and molds (impressions) are taken and used to create your custom denture. It might take several appointments to obtain the precise fit, color, and shape. Your dentist will carefully place and adjust the completed denture in order to ensure a comfortable and natural fit during the final appointment.

It’s normal for patients to experience some soreness, increased saliva flow, and speech and chewing difficulties after getting dentures. However, this will soon subside as your tissues and muscles get used to the dental appliance.

You will receive care instructions with your new dentures in order to keep them functional for as long as possible. Care tips typically include regular dental visits and an effective oral hygiene routine.