Dentures
Overview
Dentures also replace missing teeth and can replace one or all of the teeth.
When teeth have been lost dentures may need to be constructed to maintain normal chewing, bite, speech and the appearance of the upper and lower jaws.
Dentures can be made from acrylic (pink material resembling the gums) or from a strong, thinner metal which fits more comfortably in the mouth. Denture construction requires several appointments. Visits are required for impressions, registering your bite and trying in of teeth and frames to check the appearance of the teeth and fitting. Once the dentist is happy with the fit and you are happy with the look, the dentures are completed.
Types of Dentures
- Partial Denture: A partial denture is used to replace one or more teeth. It can be held in place with clasps that secure the denture to nearby natural teeth.
- Full Denture: A full denture is used to replace all upper or lower teeth in the mouth.
- Immediate Denture: An immediate denture is a denture that is constructed to fit prior to the teeth being extracted. The dentist inserts the denture at the same appointment that teeth are being extracted. The advantage is that the patient avoids a period without teeth, which can cause embarrassment. After the healing period where the gums settle into their new shape (approximately 3 months) the immediate denture will need to be re-lined to suit the changes that have occurred in the mouth. This will give a better fit.
- Over Denture: An over denture is a denture that is fitted over remaining teeth, roots or implants. The Implants act as anchors to secure it in place.