Dentures are removable oral appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues.
Losing all your teeth can affect facial muscles making them sag aging you beyond your years. Dentures can preserve your facial profile by filling out your face. With dentures, you can also:
- Eat better
- Speak more naturally
- Improve your smile
- Retain the look of your face and smile
Dentures are made partial or full depending on the condition of your teeth and jaw. Partial dentures are for those whose remaining teeth (or implants) can be used to support the denture. A full denture is used for those who do not have any teeth left or for those whose jaw or remaining teeth cannot be used to support a partial denture.
There are 3 types of removable dentures:
- Conventional dentures – These are placed after your remaining teeth have been extracted and the tissue has healed.
- Immediate dentures – These dentures are placed on the same day the remaining teeth have been extracted. With this method, you will not be without teeth during the healing period. Adjustments may be needed after your gums and tissue have healed.
- Overdentures – Fit over your remaining teeth. This method uses your remaining teeth or implants as support for your dentures. Helping you to preserve your jawbone and provide support for and to stabilize your dentures.
The prosthetic teeth of the dentures are made of ceramic or resin, while the framework is constructed of metal, synthetic resin, or both metal and resin. The resin framework dentures are typically considered temporary or transitional dentures, while the metal and/or resin frames are typically a more permanent solution.
Remember to treat your denture as if you would treat your own teeth. Plaque and food particles need to be removed daily just like your own teeth. Rinse your dentures before cleaning. Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces. Clean your entire mouth including the roof and tongue. When your dentures are not being used place them in water, so they don’t warp. Follow the instructions of adhesives carefully.
