Dentures & Partial Dentures

Dentures are custom-made artificial teeth and gums that replace lost or removed natural teeth. They are generally made from porcelain or hard resin and can be full or partial, meaning they can replace all teeth on the top or bottom gum line, or just a few that are missing.

Complete or full dentures are for patients who are missing all their teeth, while partial dentures are for patients who still have some natural teeth remaining.

Complete dentures can be “immediate” or “conventional”. The immediate dentures are made in advance and placed right after the teeth are removed. This means the patient doesn’t have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When the gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly.

Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has started to heal. A conventional denture is ready to be placed in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.

The process of getting dentures involves several appointments over several weeks. Precision measurements are taken to create a denture that fits your mouth and matches the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.

It’s normal to experience increased saliva production, some soreness, and potential difficulties with speech and chewing when you first get dentures. These issues generally subside as you get used to the dentures.

You’ll be given care instructions for your new dentures. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and proper cleaning of your dentures will help prolong their life.