Dentures and Partial Dentures
One option patients have to replace multiple missing teeth is with removable dental appliances. A denture is a removable dental appliance that is worn when there are no remaining natural teeth on an arch. A partial denture is a removable dental appliance that can be worn when there are multiple missing natural teeth on an arch and also prevents other teeth from shifting. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
A denture may be either “complete” or “immediate.” A complete denture is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue and bone has healed, or made to replace an existing denture. Immediate dentures are made when teeth have been removed with in the last year; the gum tissue or bone has not had a chance to heal properly. It takes on average about 9 months for the tissue and bone structure to shrink and heal properly. Denture adjustments are normally needed after delivery of dentures.
Partial dentures can be made right after having teeth extracted if patients choose. The healing of the tissue and bone is not as significant when extracting one or two teeth as apposed to extracting multiple or a full arch of teeth. Partial adjustments are normally needed after delivery of partials.
Dentures and partial dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired and readjusted due to normal wear.
REASONS FOR DENTURES
Denture – loss of all teeth in an arch
Partial – Loss of several teeth in an arch
Enhancing smile and facial tissues
Improving chewing, speech, and digestion
DENTURE PROCESS
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over about three weeks. In which the patient will be without teeth. We begin with taking several highly accurate impressions and measurements, which are used to create your custom denture. There will be several “try-in” appointments necessary to ensure the proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, we will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
PARTIAL DENTURE PROCESS
The process of getting a partial denture requires several appointments, usually over about a four weeks. In which the patient will be without teeth. We begin with prepping some of the existing anchor teeth, with rests for the partial to grasp to. We then take several highly accurate impressions and measurements, which are used to create your custom partial. There will be several “try-in” appointments necessary to ensure the proper shaped, color, and fit. At the final appointment, we will precisely adjust and place the completed partial, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.
You will be given care instruction for your new denture or partial. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new appliance.