Dentures

Depending on patient needs dentures are known as “full” or “partial.” A full denture is an artificial appliance that completes an entire arch. A partial denture, as the name suggests, is for patients who have lost a few teeth and need several more extracted. Partial dentures make sense compared to other tooth replacement methods when the surrounding natural teeth are not strong enough to support dental bridges, or when more than one or two teeth are missing.

Historically dentures were crafted from porcelain or plastic. Today a hard resin is more commonly used. Unlike dentures that can last for decades, dentures are not made from as strong material and can chip easily. They can be broken if dropped and even under ideal circumstances (i.e. excellent home care and a selective diet) require replacement approximately every five years.

The first step toward successfully fitting a denture begins with a regular checkup by your dentist. At the Centers for Dental Implants we strive to make this part of the experience as easy and as stress-free as possible. The process begins with X-rays and the overall health of your teeth will be reviewed.

Next, it’s likely that several teeth will be extracted in preparation for your denture. At this point we will allow your mouth to heal from the swelling. At your next appointment our laboratory will manufacture a set of dentures based on impressions taken of your mouth. Since dentistry is often at the intersection of science and art, we want you to feel engaged and part of the process as together we select tooth shape, size and color. Remember, a too-white look might appear fake. Or at least the effect will be so dissimilar to your natural teeth that people will ask questions. This is the type of observation you don’t want. Once your dentures are manufactured you will have a try-on visit and you will wear them home. A final appointment will evaluate how comfortable you felt they were and any final adjustments will be made.