Dentures & Partial Dentures

Dentures replace missing teeth with a removable appliance. A full denture replaces all the teeth in a jaw; a partial fills the gaps and clasps to the teeth that remain.

Getting used to them

New dentures feel strange, and there is a genuine adjustment period. Eating takes practice — start with softer food cut small — and speech usually takes a few days to settle. Sore spots in the first weeks are normal and are adjusted at review appointments rather than something to endure.

Care

• Clean them daily over a bowl of water, so a drop does not break them
• Leave them out overnight to give the tissue underneath a rest
• Clean your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth as well
• Keep attending check-ups — the mouth changes shape and dentures need adjusting or remaking over time

More about this

A denture is a removable dental appliance and a replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually takes 4 to 6 weeks). During this time, the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.

• Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
• Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
• Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
• Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over a period of several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

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