Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are designed for patients with one or more natural teeth remaining in the upper or lower jaw.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are used for patients without any remaining teeth in the upper or lower jaw and are placed immediately after extractions.
Full Conventional Dentures
Full dentures are used when patients are missing all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They differ from immediate dentures in that they are not placed until after the gums have healed completely (which usually takes between 6 and 8 weeks.)
What are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial replacements for missing teeth which are created by your dentist and custom-formed to your mouth. At Smile Family Dental Care, we offer several denture options including Full Dentures, Partial Dentures, and Immediate Dentures. We also create replacement dentures as needed since all dentures will eventually need to be replaced.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, sometimes referred to as Complete Dentures, are used when all teeth are missing or need to be extracted. We offer full upper or full lower dentures depending on your needs and a choice between conventional full dentures and immediate full dentures.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are placed immediately after extractions. The obvious advantage to this is that patients who receive immediate dentures will not endure a period without teeth during the healing process. However, immediate dentures often require frequent dental visits in order to ensure they fit properly and to reline or rebase as needed.
What Steps are Involved?
First, you’ll schedule a consultation where we’ll take initial impressions of your teeth. Then you’ll decide if you’d like us to perform extractions, or we can refer you to an oral surgeon for sedation. Next, we’ll perform a bite registration and shade selection. This is where we’ll try to match your dentures’ bite as closely as possible with your natural teeth. Then we’ll try to select a proper shade so your new dentures appear as natural as possible.
After all preparation has taken place, we’ll perform extractions of any remaining teeth. Then, we’ll place the denture and leave it in overnight. You’ll need to come back the next day so your dentist can remove the denture and make adjustments as needed. We’ll then see you on either a weekly basis or as needed to help you adapt to your new appliance.
Conventional Full Dentures
Conventional Full Dentures are made after the patient’s mouth has healed from extractions which can often take between 6 to 8 weeks. The advantage of waiting is that the gums can shrink during a period of 6 months after extractions while healing. During this time, immediate dentures may need to be rebased or relined in order to fit the patient properly.
Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are used when a patient is only missing some teeth and are constructed of replacement teeth and a plastic base designed to match the color of your gums. Sometimes, the acrylic base covers a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth using a clasp. Depending on your particular situation, your dentist may recommend crowns on your natural teeth to improve the fit of your dentures.
As with all types of dentures, it can take some time to get used to your new appliance. We’ll work with you through every step of the way to make adjustments and ensure you get a proper fit.
What are the Advantages of Partial Dentures?
There are many advantages to removable partial dentures. They can make it easier for patients with missing teeth to chew food, they’re aesthetically pleasing, and they may even improve your speech!
What Steps Are Involved?
You’ll start by meeting with us and determining whether full dentures are necessary or not. If dentures are needed, we’ll schedule a time to perform extractions or refer you to an oral surgeon if you’d like to be sedated. After extractions, healing typically takes from 6-8 weeks. Then, we’ll take impressions and a bite registration using a custom tray to establish your natural bite an alignment. Next, we’ll set up a wax model of your dentures that you’ll be able to make sure they fit and look natural. We’ll then work with you to determine the shade of your new teeth and make any final changes. Finally, we’ll deliver your dentures and make any adjustments as needed while you get used to them.