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 two different ways.

A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.

An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.

The teeth are made of acrylic. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over dental implants so patients can speak, chew, and smile with confidence again.

Dentures over the course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to accommodate for normal shrinkage of the bone and gum. Bone resorbs (shrinks) as a result of tooth loss. Patients lose 40-60% of their volume of bone around a tooth in the first year following tooth extraction. Dental implants can help preserve the bone of the jaws, which supports the soft tissues of the face. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.