Dentures are needed when there are numerous missing teeth. They help to restore bite function and provide support for the cheeks and lips. When all teeth are missing, full or complete dentures are required. Complete dentures are a dental appliance inserted into the mouth. If only a few teeth are missing, partial dentures are used. Partial dentures are similar to bridges, in that they replace only the missing teeth.

Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated in the following ways:

• Conventional – this type of denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the gum tissue has healed
• Immediate – denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after teeth are extracted and tissues are allowed to heal under the denture
• Upper Denture –  uses flesh coloured acrylic and covers the palate (roof of the mouth)
• Llower denture – shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue

The teeth in dentures are made of acrylic, porcelain or a combination of both. Dentures can be created to fit over endodontically treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.

Over time, dentures will succumb to normal wear and tear and require replacement or need to be relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. Jaw misalignment occurs as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the lack of natural teeth.

Although denture wearers may not have teeth, regular dental examinations are still important for the detection of disease and oral tissues changes.

Contact us today for a routine dental screening or to discuss whether dentures will be a good option for you.