Dentures

A denture is a prosthetic appliance worn in the mouth to support the jaws, lips and cheeks. The prosthesis is inserted to replace one or more teeth. Thus, a partial denture replaces one or more teeth and a completed denture replaces an entire arch.

A conventional denture is made after all teeth have extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed. An immediate denture is fabricated and delivered immediately after extractions and promote healing under the prosthesis.

A complete upper denture has acrylic, a flesh-colored plastic, which covers the entire palate (roof) of the mouth. A complete lower denture is acrylic also; it’s shaped into a ‘horseshoe’ to relieve the tongue for normal function. A partial denture may be fabricated in all plastic or a combination of plastic with metal.

A denture may benefit from the attachment of implants. It may also gain retention from endodontically treated teeth to secure the appliance.

Dentures must be replaced or relined in order to maintain proper alignment. As the bone resorbs and tissues shrink, a progressive change will occur. Routine examinations will be necessary to evaluate overall oral health and disease.