Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth that can be removed and put back into your mouth as you please. Depending on each individual patient case, they may receive full or partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are removed from the mouth and replaced with a full set of dentures. There are two types of full dentures.
Full dentures are a removable appliance with artificial teeth used to replace all the missing teeth in your mouth. After your teeth are extracted you will need approximately 6 weeks of healing time. This will ensure the best fitting denture requiring a lower possibility of future relines. If you are looking for a very secure fit of your denture implants can be used. A minimum of two implants can be placed in your mouth while two attachments are placed in your denture. This prevents any movement of the denture while eating or talking.
- Conventional Full Dentures - This is when all the teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal before the dentures are placed. It could take a few months for the gum tissue to heal completely, and during this time you will be without teeth.
- Immediate Full Dentures - Prior to having your teeth removed, your dentist takes measurements and has dentures fitted for your mouth. After removing the teeth, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a follow up visit to refit your dentures because the jaw bone will slightly change shape as your mouth heels. The dentures will need to be tightened after the jaw bone has healed.
Full and partial immediate dentures may be placed the same day teeth are extracted. They are made completely out of acrylic. Immediate dentures are mainly used for esthetic purposes during the healing time after extractions. As your jaw heals your bone remodels creating a space between your gums and denture. After complete healing has occurred, you will need a reline or a new complete or partial denture to ensure a proper fit.
Partial dentures are another option when not all of your teeth need to be removed. This is similar to a bridge, but it is not a permanent fixture in your mouth.
A Partial Denture is a removable appliance with artificial teeth that replaces any missing teeth you may have. This will be held in place by clasps which attach to your healthy teeth. In our office we make two types of Partial Dentures. One has a metal framework with an acrylic base and the other has a clear framework (Clear Met Partial) with an acrylic base.
Your dentures may take some time to get used to. The flesh colored base of the dentures is placed over your gums. Some people say that it feels bulky or that they don't have enough room for their tongue. Other times the dentures might feel loose. These feelings will affect the way you eat and talk for a little while. Over time, your mouth becomes trained to eat and speak with your dentures and they begin to feel more and more like your natural teeth. They may never feel perfectly comfortable, but it is much better than the alternative of not having teeth.
Even though dentures are not real teeth, you should care for them like they are. You should brush them to remove plaque and food particles before removing your dentures. After they have been removed you should place them directly into room temperature water or a denture cleaning solution. Never use hot water because it could warp the dentures. Your dentures are delicate, so make sure you are careful when handling them so you don't drop them. Also, never try to adjust your dentures yourself. You could ruin them, so you should always seek assistance from your dentist if they feel uncomfortable or loose.