Dentures, Partial Dentures & Over Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue.  They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.  A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.”  A conventional type is made 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.  Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process.  Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

An over-denture is a removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or dental implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture. Our participating dentists can determine if an overdenture would be suitable for you.

An implant over-denture connects to implants that have been surgically implanted into jaw bone.

 

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but you have to follow the instruction of the cleaning potection.