Dentures

Dentures are frequently worn by people who have lost all of their teeth.   People do like their dentures, but please remember that this service only partially replace the function of natural teeth.  A denture is a custom appliance that is inserted in the mouth, provides support for the cheeks and lips, and has false teeth.  For someone who is not able to maintain enough natural teeth to support some other form of treatment, dentures may be their best option.  For these patients, dentures will help with speaking, smiling and eating.

Dental implants have revolutionized the standard of care with denture treatment.  Dentures can now be made to securely snap into place over implants in order to stabilize the denture.  This procedure is particularly valuable for lower dentures in order to prevent movement of the denture over the gums.

Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated a few different ways.

• A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.
• An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
• An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
• A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.