Dentures can be broken down into two groups: Complete or partial dentures.

Complete dentures are dentures that replace all your natural teeth. They can replace your entire bottom, or top row of your natural teeth, and are held in place with the help of an oral adhesive. Complete dentures have two main categories that they fall into which include Conventional or Immediate dentures.

• Conventional dentures are dentures that are made after the natural teeth have been removed and are usually placed in your mouth around twelve weeks after your natural teeth have been removed. Although it may take longer to receive, this is the better choice because they do not need to be adjusted as frequently during the healing process.

• Immediate dentures are dentures that are made before the removal of your natural teeth. They can be placed the same day as the removal of natural teeth. This is more beneficial because you do not have to wait for months to get your smile back. Although these types of dentures are immediate, it might not be as beneficial to you. Because they are immediately placed, your gums and bone will heal differently causing the dentures to be adjusted more frequently to adapt to the changing gum line.

Partial dentures are dentures that replace certain missing teeth, but one or more of your natural teeth remain in the mouth. A partial denture consists of false teeth that permanently rests on a retainer that attaches to your natural teeth. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position which helps to keep the structure of the jaw intact.

How are dentures made?

Whether you are receiving complete, partial, or implant supported dentures, the process is almost the same. The process will take several weeks, and several office visits to make sure that your dentures fit the way they are supposed to. The general steps on how dentures are made are as follows:

• Impressions of your jaw and tissue that will support the dentures, will be taken. – we will take measurements of your jawbone and the space between the upper and lower jaw in order to create dentures that will fit comfortably in your mouth.

• Molds and models will be created of your mouth. – Once the impressions have been taken, a model of your mouth will be created in the lab. Once the model of your mouth has been created, a technician will then create models of the dentures based off the impressions and model of your mouth. You will be fitted with these dentures to make sure the fit and feel are comfortable. This process can take the longest, as we are continuously reshaping the denture mold to create a seamless fit.

• The final denture is prepared. – Based off the model dentures that you have tried on a final denture is cast and created. Using specialized hard resin, the final dentures are created to have a gumline and teeth that look and function as normal teeth. The material that the final dentures are made from are more fragile than natural teeth, so if dropped they will break.

• Adjustments are made as necessary. – This will be the final fitting and all necessary adjustments will be made. You will leave our office with a brand-new set of teeth and instructions on how to care for them. A follow up appointment will be made to ensure that the dentures are comfortable.

How to clean your dentures

Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be cleaned and well taken care of daily. Even though dentures are made up of artificial teeth, bacteria, plaque, and tartar can build up between the dentures and the gums. Any build up of bacteria can cause serious damage to the jawbone or gums. Just as easy as it is to take care of natural teeth, it is that simple to take care of your dentures.

Once you remove the dentures from your mouth, it is important to make sure that you brush your gums and any remaining natural teeth you may have to remove any food particles or build up.

Take out your dentures gently and rinse them in cool water to remove any food particles that may have gotten lodged. Next, take a soft toothbrush and go around the gumline and teeth. It is important to know that you should only use denture cleaner or very mild soap when cleaning your dentures. Regular toothpaste or other cleaners can be too harsh and abrasive for the dentures and can break down the material of the dentures.

If you need dentures or would like to inquire further about dentures,, give our office a call and one of our helpful staff members will be happy to assist you.