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Dentures

A denture or a complete denture as it is often called is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips.

Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated in different ways.

  • An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
  • An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored which covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
  • A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.

The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination thereof. Impressions of your mouth will be taken before any treatment is initiated. Once we receive your immediate denture, the teeth will be removed and the dentures placed. The immediate denture acts like a bandaid to control swelling as well as provide you with teeth. Once the gums and bone are healed, we will make a final denture that has a better fit and is more esthetically pleasing.

Dentures are a standard treatment option. However, dentures are not like chewing with your own natural teeth. Implants can be placed to retain the denture firmly on the jaw and improve chewing ability. Implants also keep the bone at an acceptable level. If no implants are placed, the bone will literally disintegrate causing the denture to not fit properly. A lower denture is the most troublesome due to the horseshoe shape, so implants are ideal.

Over time the teeth will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.

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