Introduction to Dentures
Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you’ve lost all or some of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. That’s because dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teeth—things that people often take for granted.
Types of Dentures
- Complete Dentures: Used when all the teeth are missing and can be fitted for your upper or lower jaw.
- Partial Dentures: Suitable when some natural teeth remain. Partial dentures not only fill in the spaces created by missing teeth but also prevent other teeth from changing position.
- Immediate Dentures: Inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. You don’t have to be without teeth during the healing period, but may need adjustment after healing.
- Overdentures: A removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture.
Benefits of Dentures
- Improved Facial Appearance: Dentures help maintain the shape of your face, preventing the facial muscles from sagging.
- Improved Speech and Eating: Dentures can help with chewing food, making it easier to eat better and speak more clearly.
- High Durability: Dentures are durable appliances and can last many years with proper care.
- Cost-Effective: Dentures are generally less expensive than implants and can be a cost-effective method of replacing missing teeth.
The Denture Fitting Process
Getting dentures made and fitted is a process that usually involves several appointments over several weeks. Here are the typical steps:
- Initial Consultation: Measurements and impressions (molds) of your jaw are taken to create precise working models of your mouth.
- Mock-Up: "Try-in" appointments may be necessary to ensure the correct shape, color, and fit, and the denture will be assessed for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.
- Final Fitting: After the dentures are created, final adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure comfort and proper fit.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Follow-up visits are scheduled to check and adjust the fit of your dentures and to discuss care and cleaning.
Caring for Your Dentures
Like natural teeth, dentures require daily maintenance to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside your mouth. Regular dental check-ups are important to ensure your dentures fit properly and to check for signs of dental diseases including cancer screening.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Whether you need complete dentures, partials, or are considering implant-supported options, we are here to provide you with the best possible care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out more about how dentures can improve your quality of life.
