Loss of one's natural teeth can be devastating, whether it be from periodontal disease, tooth decay, or injury. Complete dentures can give you back your missing teeth, smile, ability to eat and speak clearly, and your confidence. Without dentures, facial muscles sag, and appearance and health suffer.
Complete dentures come in multiple forms. A conventional full denture is custom-built in a dental laboratory and placed in the patient's mouth after removal of existing teeth and complete healing of oral tissues, a process that can take several months.
An immediate full denture bypasses the waiting period and is installed immediately after any remaining teeth are extracted. During a preliminary visit, the dentist takes measurements and makes a 3D model of the patient's jaw.
At the follow-up visit, the remaining teeth are removed and the appliance is placed — the patient does not have to go without teeth for any period.
Even with full dentures, oral hygiene cannot be ignored. We recommend brushing the gums, tongue, and palate each morning with a soft-bristled brush to aid with circulation and clear away plaque before inserting the dentures.
Regular dental check-ups should continue to be scheduled to check for fit and to screen for oral diseases, including cancer.
Removable partial dentures replace missing teeth. As the name implies, they can be removed for cleaning — both the denture itself and the teeth. They can be made out of flexible acrylic and are very esthetic. Sometimes they are reinforced with a metal substructure for added strength. Scheduling a consultation can determine which type is best for you.
How do immediate dentures differ from conventional dentures? Immediate dentures differ from conventional dentures in that they are replaced just as soon as remaining teeth are removed. The dentist measures up the patient's mouth and makes a 3D model during a preliminary visit so the dentures are ready to go at the follow-up. While this does have the benefit of allowing the patient to resume eating and speaking normally shortly after treatment, bones and gums do tend to shrink over time, especially during the 6-month recovery period after tooth removal. If this happens, the dentist will have to rebase or reline the appliance so it fits properly. Conventional dentures are made for a completely healed mouth, but leave the patient without teeth for several months. What is an overdenture? An overdenture is a removable denture that is used in events when some of a patient's natural teeth or implants can be preserved, fitting over the remaining structures. Your dentist will be able to decide whether you satisfy the conditions for overdentures. What do dentures feel like? Dentures feel a bit strange at first, as the muscles of the tongue and cheek have to adjust to the responsibility of keeping them in place. Many patients temporarily experience minor irritation or soreness and increased flow of saliva, but these tend to go away in time. Your dentist will schedule one or more follow-up appointments with you to ensure everything is fitting properly and comfortably. Will dentures change my appearance? Dentures will not change your appearance — in fact, they may improve it, filling out your smile and the shape of your face and profile. Is it difficult to eat with dentures? It is not difficult to eat dentures once you get used to them, but you'll need a little practice and to take things gradually. It's recommended that you start with softer foods and smaller bites before progressing to your full diet. Chew using both sides of the mouth at the same time, and be wary of hot and hard foods, especially those with sharp-edged bones or shells. How do I speak normally with dentures? Speaking normally with dentures also will require a little getting used to. If you're having trouble pronouncing certain words, it's beneficial to read them out loud and repeat them until they become natural again. If you find that your dentures "click" in the midst of speaking, slow it down. Sometimes, dentures slip when you laugh, cough, or smile. Gently bite down and swallow to reposition them. If you have persistent speech issues, don't hesitate to contact your dentist. Do I have to wear my dentures all the time? At first, yes, you will have to wear your dentures all or most of the time. But after your mouth adjusts to wearing them, you can generally remove them before going to bed — and with a clear conscience! While you sleep, your gum tissues are able to take a break, and circulation within the mouth is improved. Should I bother with denture adhesives? You should bother with denture adhesives if you have a well-fitted pair of dentures, as they aid with retention of the appliance. However, adhesive cannot compensate for older, poorly fitting dentures. If your dentures are constantly loose and causing chronic or pronounced discomfort, promptly contact your dentist, as your dentures may need a reline or to be replaced entirely. How do I take care of my dentures? Taking proper care of your dentures requires several steps and precautions. Can I make my own adjustments or repairs to my dentures? You should not make your own adjustments or repairs to your dentures, as you can seriously damage the appliance and, in turn, your oral health. Ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation and sores, and that infection can potentially spread elsewhere. If your dentures break, crack, or chip, or one of the false teeth becomes loose, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist has the proper tools and training to make necessary repairs and adjustments — often within the span of a single visit — to get those dentures restored and fitting properly again. Will my dentures need to be replaced? Over time, yes, your dentures will need to be replaced due to wear, and the fact that the mouth naturally changes with age, affecting the alignment of the jaw. But before totally remaking your dentures, your dentist may try relining or rebasing them. In this technique, the dentist will keep the existing denture teeth but adjust or remake the denture base those teeth fit into. Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures