DENTURES

Dentures come in two forms, a full or complete denture (often called a plate) or a partial denture (sometimes called a removable bridge). Either can be made of all acrylic or acrylic over metal with either acrylic or porcelain used for the teeth.

A denture is a prosthesis or appliance that is inserted into the mouth, works as a substitute for natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips. While they are functional and look like natural teeth, they will never work or perform the way natural teeth do.

Most dentures are made on an acrylic base and can be fabricated two different ways.

•           A conventional denture is made after a few or all the 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. When not all of the teeth are extracted an appliance called a stay plate or a flipper may be placed temporarily to hold the other teeth in place and provide something aesthetic until a permanent restoration is made.

An upper full denture has acrylic, usually gum colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth) and a lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.

Dentures can be fabricated to fit over root canal treated teeth or can be attached to implants to allow for a more secure retention of the appliance. This stops the clicking and clacking of a loose fitting lower denture. Implants also eliminate the need for adhesives, goos, and powders.

Dentures over the normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced. The gums and bone also recede under the pressure and stress of normal use and need to be relined in order to keep the jaw opening and alignment normal. The vertical opening of the mouth will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. This process can be stopped by placing implants or keeping teeth in the bone which maintains the vertical dimension of opening. Regular dentist examinations are required for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change and denture relines and repairs can be accomplished. Call now to set up an appointment to have your dentures, gums and bones checked by Dr. Colleran.