Specialty Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures that are available. They are complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal. A conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.

Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position.

As part of our complete examination process, we will evaluate any missing teeth and offer our recommendations for the use of partial or complete dentures as a replacement.

With proper care your dentures and/or partial dentures will give you many years of service. There are a few instructions you should follow:

Research show your gums and bone will be healthier if exposed to the environment for 8 hours per day. This means you should leave your dentures or partials out at night and keep them moist while they are out of your mouth. You can soak them in denture cleanser or plain water.

Brush your dentures daily with a soft toothbrush. Liquid dishwashing detergent is a good cleanser. You may also mix a small amount of bleach with water to remove stains on full dentures, but do not use bleach on partials with metal.

Fill your sink 1/2 full with water while cleansing them. Hold your dentures over the sink so they will fall into the water if you should drop them. If you drop them in a dry sink or on the floor chances are very good they will break.

There is no charge for adjustments to your dentures or partial for 6 months after they are delivered. Please call for an appointment.

You will need to be patient while getting used to your new appliance. Practice talking with them in front of the mirror. Eventually the muscles in your mouth will become familiar with them and they will feel more comfortable. When eating at first, try cutting your food into small pieces and chew on both sides at the same time.

Your gums and ridges go through many changes, especially after you have recently had teeth extracted. You may eventually have to have your dentures or partials relined or even remade, depending on the amount of change your mouth goes through. This normally happens withing the first year or two if this is your first denture. In the following years this change will be more gradual.