Prosthodontists are the denture expert of the dental profession.
If you have dentures and are unhappy with them in any way, schedule an appointment today to see how we can help you.
Are dentures the same thing as the "plates" my parents had?
A denture is a removable prosthesis, and it can come in several different forms. Dentures replace all of the missing teeth and some of the associated hard and soft tissues in the jawbone. Dentures sit on top of the gum tissues, and are held in place through a peripheral seal (suction). Conventional dentures are like the traditional “plates” you may have seen your parents or grandparents use.
What are the different types of dentures?
There are three broad categories of dentures. There are conventional dentures, implant overdentures, and removable partial dentures.
A conventional denture has two subcategories: immediate denture and complete denture.
-Immediate dentures are made prior to extracting all of the remaining teeth, and on the day of extraction the immediate denture is delivered. The purpose of immediate dentures is so that after your teeth are removed you don’t have to go for a period of time without teeth.
-Complete dentures are made after all of the teeth are gone. This can either be the case because an old denture needs to be replaced, or the patient decided to forgo immediate dentures.
Similar to conventional dentures are dental implant overdentures. Overdentures gain increased retention, stability, and support from dental implants and a bar connecting the implants together. Because the increased stability allows for better chewing and speaking, patients notice a significant increase in quality of life with dental implants. This type of prosthesis can be detached from the implants; it is still a removable denture.
The final type of denture is the partial denture. This type of denture rests on the teeth and gum tissues. A partial denture can be made either with or without dental implants. If dental implants are used, they can help to increase the retention of the prosthesis.
What are the steps to make my dentures? How long will it take?
Making well fitting dentures is a multi-step process that will take at least three to five visits to complete, depending on whether it’s an immediate, complete, implant, or partial denture.
While it may seem like little progress is being made at each visit, you can rest assured that we are taking measurements and making the smallest tweaks to give you a look you will love and a denture that won’t hurt you.
What can I expect when I get my new denture?
Getting a new denture is almost like getting a new pair of shoes. It will feel weird and foreign at first, but after you “break it in” it will become a part of your mouth.
Talking and eating can be difficult at first; if you had braces or have kids who had braces, think about what it sounded like when you spoke with a retainer for the first time. It can take between two to four weeks before your mouth acclimates to your new dentures.
After your dentures are delivered, you can expect to return for at least two to three visits for post-delivery adjustments. While every attempt is made to make your dentures as comfortable as possible at the delivery appointment, you will be unable to truly assess their comfort until you have eaten a few meals with them.
What can be done if I am unhappy with the fit of my denture?
A poorly fitting denture can be due to several reasons. If the denture is loose and there is enough bone support, one possible solution is to add more denture material (reline) and supplement that with denture adhesive. However, in many instances after a reline and even with the use of denture adhesive there is not enough bone to support a well fitting denture.
To achieve the greatest increase in fit, comfort, and chewing ability dental implants can be added to improve the quality of life with dentures.
How many dental implants do I need to improve the retention of my denture?
The number of implants required depends on which jaw will be treated, and whether the denture will be fixed or removable.
In the upper jaw, at least four to six implants are needed. In the lower jaw between two to four implants can be utilized. Ultimately the number of implants depends on the design of the denture.
I don't have any real teeth anymore. Once I get my denture, do I need to come back to the dentist?
Nothing in the mouth stays the same over time. While your denture may fit like a glove today, regular follow up is needed to make sure your denture is still the best it can be.
The amount of bone in the jaw slowly shrinks over time after the teeth are lost. You should be examined at least once a year to make sure the denture is appropriately fitting, and that there are no other issues (denture sores, fungal infection, worn down teeth, and broken denture plastic or plastic teeth).
