Dentures

No one wants to lose their teeth – it affects your self-image, can cause problems with chewing, affect your smile, and causes all manner of other problems. Fortunately, full or partial loss of teeth can be corrected using quality dentures.

Dentures are, of course, just one option for replacing teeth that are missing or damaged. You can also consider implants or bridge work. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. As well, different denture options can address different issues, and we can help you to explore those options during a consultation.

Removable Dentures

Dentures are intended to replace or hold the teeth that you’re missing. A full or partial denture consists of false teeth that fit over your bone ridge, and are intended to work the same way as your natural teeth. Properly fitted dentures can be very stable.

Initially, you might find it difficult to wear your dentures. They have to become balanced – to fit into the space that your original teeth occupied. Eventually, the nerves, ligaments and muscles will adapt to the dentures, and allow you to chew and smile normally.

So, what happens when you’re being fitted for your permanent dentures?

Immediate Dentures

This is a type of denture that helps you transition into wearing your permanent dentures. They’re temporary – you wear them while you’re waiting for our gums to shrink. They won’t fit as well as your permanent dentures, but they will give you the appearance of new teeth and help you adjust.

Conventional Full Dentures

These are the dentures that follow your immediate dentures. They’re made to fit properly, function fully, and resemble your original teeth as much as possible.

Implant Supported Overdentures

These are the Cadillac of dentures. They’re meant to fit on your remaining teeth, anchored using implants (three or more, usually). They’re so functional you won’t even know the difference between them and your own teeth.

Partial Dentures

These are very inexpensive dentures, made of plastic, that replace your missing teeth. They typically fill up the spaces between your missing teeth. They’re often used as cosmetic replacements while you’re waiting for implants.

Transitional Partial Dentures

These are very inexpensive, and again, they’re intended to fill the gaps while you wait for your full dentures.

Fitting and Maintaining Dentures

It’s not easy making dentures. To make a quality denture, a mold has to be made of the top and bottom of your mouth. Dentists, denturists and lab technicians are all involved in the process of making an impression of the ridges on both the top and bottom of your mouth. Once the results are satisfactory, your dentures are made.

Once you’ve received your dentures, you’ll probably have to have them re-lined. This is because your gums will shrink once your teeth are extracted. The dentures will have to be adjusted in order to conform to your mouth. Once they’re fitted, though, your dentures will offer a fully functional solution to the problem of your tooth loss.

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