What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable tooth replacements that can replace a few missing teeth or both arches of teeth. The base of the denture is made out of acrylic while the artificial teeth are made of porcelain or composite resin. Dentures restore the function, structure, and appearance of missing teeth to make you feel better about your smile and more easily chew and speak. Dentures can prevent your face from sagging and losing support as well as the surrounding teeth from shifting. Contact us at All Smiles Dental Studio today to schedule a consultation.
What types of Dentures do you provide?
Partial Dentures – These dentures are used to replace a few missing teeth in the mouth instead of an entire set of teeth. The prosthesis is typically made out of an acrylic base that is attached via a metal framework. Metal clasps clip onto abutment teeth to hold them securely in the mouth. Partial dentures are a removable version of a dental bridge.
Full Dentures – These dentures replace the upper and bottom arches of teeth. Full dentures are only recommended for patients already missing most of their teeth because they require the extraction of any remaining teeth before being fitted. After extracting the remaining teeth, it takes 8-12 weeks for the gums to heal before the official dentures can be placed. During this time, a set of immediate temporary dentures will be worn.
How it works: The Dental Bridge Placement Process
Consultation
Dr. Beth Hanks will examine your mouth and take x-rays to look for signs of tooth decay or gum disease which will need to be treated before you can be fitted for dentures.
Impressions and Jaw Measurements
Impressions are taken of the teeth as well as measurements of your jaw and how your bite fits together. This information is sent to the dental lab that creates your dentures and they use this as a guide for how to create custom-fit dentures that fit perfectly with your bite.
Teeth Extractions (Full Dentures)
If you are receiving full dentures, you will need to have your remaining teeth extracted. It takes 8-12 weeks for the gums to fully heal so you will wear a set of immediate dentures to assist with eating and chewing until your official dentures are ready.
Trial Fitting
You will have a trial fitting where we place the dentures in your mouth and check how they fit and if they feel comfortable. If any adjustments need to be made, we will alter the dentures.
Official Denture Fitting
After adjustments have been made, we can place your official dentures. Partial dentures will clip onto the back of teeth in the mouth and full dentures are held in through suction or an adhesive. It will take up to a month to get used to the feeling and function of dentures.
