Dentures

What is a Denture?

A denture is a removable prosthesis replacing missing teeth and adjacent tissues.  It is made of acrylic resin, sometiems in combination with various metals.  Complete dentures replace all the teeth while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.   A removable denture fills in the space created by missing teeth and bone.  A denture helps you to properly chew, speak, and smile.  In addition, a denture may improve cosmetics and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are either "conventional" or "immediate." A conventional denture is placed in the mouth about two months after all the teeth are removed to allow for proper healing, whereas an immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed.

                                   

Implant Dentures

For individuals who receive dental implants, an overdenture provides far more stability than traditional dentures.

Removable Partial Dentures

An important step in maintaining a healthy smile is to replace missing teeth. When teeth are missing, the remaining ones can change position, drifting into the surrounding space. Nature abhors a vacuum. Teeth that are out of position can damage tissues in the mouth. In addition, it may be difficult to clean thoroughly between crooked teeth. As a result, you run the risk of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to the loss of additional teeth. Thus to avoid any pathologies, restoration with a partial denture is a less expensive and less invasive method to solve the problem of missing teeth.

   

Another Option is an implant partial as seen above.

How do you care for a Denture?

A denture is made of acrylic and porcelain, so it is important to handle it with care. Remove and brush the denture daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically for cleaning dentures, using either a denture cleanser or toothpaste. Never use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including abrasive toothpastes, because they may scratch the surface of the denture. Don't sterilize your denture with boiling or hot water because it will cause it to become warped. If you wear a partial denture be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth. When cleaning your denture, fill the basin with water, so that in case the denture is dropped, it will hit the water rather than the sink. The porcelain denture teeth can break easily when dropped onto a hard surface. When not in use, soak it in a cleanser solution or in water. Get in the habit of keeping the denture in the same safe and handy place to reduce the likelihood of misplacement. In general removable appliances should not be worn while one is sleeping.

 

The following is a before and after case.  The teeth are removed due to very advanced periodontal disease or decay and are replaced with a beautiful full upper and lower dentures.