Dentures

Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth that can be removed and put back into your mouth as you please. Depending on each individual patient case, they may receive full or partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are missing from the mouth. There are two types of full dentures.

  • Conventional Full Dentures - This is performed when all teeth are missing.
  • Immediate Full Dentures - This is performed when the remaining teeth in the mouth are very damaged and require removal. Prior to tooth removal, measurements and impressions will be taken to plan for the future dentures. After the damaged teeth are removed, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth, so you will always have teeth and a nice smile. However, there is a need to have follow up visits to refit and tighten your dentures, because the jaw bone will slightly change shape as your mouth heals.

Partial dentures are an option for patients that have only a few missing teeth. This is similar to a bridge, but it is not a permanent fixture in your mouth. Partial dentures are removable.

Your dentures may take some time to get used to. The flesh (pink) colored base of the dentures is placed over your gums. Some people reports that dentures may feel bulky or they don't have enough room for their tongue. Other times the dentures might feel loose. These feelings will affect the way you eat and talk for a little while, however, with time and practice, your mouth will become accustomed to eating and speaking with your dentures. They will begin to feel more and more like your natural teeth. Although dentures may not feel perfectly comfortable, it is much better than the alternative of not having teeth.

For patients that prefer to not have removable dentures, then Dental implants are an excellent option to consider.

Home care for dentures: Even though dentures are not real teeth, you should care for them like they are. You should brush them to remove plaque and food particles. When dentures are removed from your mouth, you should place them directly into room temperature water or a denture cleaning solution. Never place your dentures in hot water because the heat could warp the dentures. Your dentures are delicate, so make sure you are careful when handling them so you don't drop them. Also, never try to adjust your dentures yourself. You could ruin them, so you should always seek assistance from your dentist if they feel uncomfortable or loose.

Ask Dr. Keen about the advancements of dental implants for helping denture wearers.