Dentures

Often times when a person is missing all or some of their teeth a denture can be a great treatment. Dentures are generally classified into two groups known as a complete denture or a partial denture. A complete denture is made when a person is missing all of their teeth. A partial denture is made when a person is missing multiple teeth in a certain area.

When a person is missing all of their teeth a full denture is usually required. A full denture can be categorized into two different types: conventional full denture and an immediate full denture. A conventional denture can also be made using implants to aid in retention of the denture.

Conventional Full Denture – This type of complete denture is used when all of the teeth are removed, and a period is given to allow the gum tissue to heal from extracting the teeth. When teeth are removed it may take up to 2 months, depending on the circumstances, for the gums to heal completely. Once the gums have completely healed an impression is taken of your mouth and this impression is sent to the lab. The dental lab then fabricates a complete denture that is customized to each individual. The dentist will work thoroughly with you to select the correct shade and shape of your new denture teeth that best matches you. A transitional denture can also be given to you while your gums heal so that you do not have to go any period of time without teeth. However a lab made custom denture must be made after the gums heal due to the changing nature of your mouth. Once gums heal the transitional denture will need to be replaced with a complete custom made conventional denture. A conventional denture can also be made using implants to help give the denture extra retention in your mouth.

Immediate Full Denture – This type of complete denture is made prior to removing any teeth. Your dentist will take measurements of your mouth and have the dental lab create a denture that best fits you personally. The main benefit of this type of denture is that you do not have to go any period of time without teeth. This type of denture however requires a follow up visit to refit your denture due to the changing nature of your jaw bone after removing teeth and allowing your gums to heal.

Another type of denture, known as a partial denture, can also be a great treatment if you are missing multiple teeth in a certain area, but are not missing all of your teeth. A partial denture is similar to a dental bridge, however it is not a permanent fixture in your mouth as it can be removed as you desire. A partial denture is made with the assistance of a dental lab to assure proper shape and coloring to match your existing teeth.

Your new permanent denture will require some time to get used to. A denture is something people are not used to as the denture sits over your gums. As you use your new denture you will start to feel as though they are a part of you. Often times when people have adjusted to their denture they say they don’t know how they ever ate or smiled without it! It is important to visit your dentist as needed to refit the denture if need be as sometimes the denture can loosen over time, depending on which type of denture you elected for. Even though dentures aren’t your real teeth they still need to be cared for. They should be removed at night to allow your gums a chance to relax. Dentures also need to be cleaned often to remove plaque. After the dentures have been removed they should be rinsed with room temperature water and placed in denture cleaning solution. Dentures are also somewhat delicate and you should be careful as to not drop your denture. If you notice that the denture does not feel right please make a dental appointment so that a denture can be refit or readjusted as necessary. Please call our Ashburn dentists to learn more about dentures.