A denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces missing teeth and surrounding tissue. We craft them to closely mimic your natural teeth, potentially enhancing your smile.
Types of Dentures: Complete and Partial
There are two types of dentures: complete and partial dentures. When all teeth are missing, we use complete dentures, and when some natural teeth remain, we use partial dentures. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it also prevents other teeth from shifting.
A complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is created after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, the patient will go without teeth. We make immediate dentures in advance and place them immediately after tooth extraction, ensuring the patient doesn’t experience tooth loss during the healing process. Adjustments will be necessary once the tissues shrink and heal.
Although dentures are extremely durable and can endure for many years, normal wear may necessitate their replacement, repair, or readjustment. Discover more about our full range of dental services at Largo Smiles Dental Center.
Reasons for dentures:
- 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.
What does getting dentures involve?
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over 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.