What are Dentures?

Dentures are appliances that replace teeth. These artificial teeth are generally made of acrylic and designed to best match your natural teeth. Dentures are usually made out of two different materials; acrylic or metal (chrome).

Dentures can be taken out and put back into the mouth, and they are available as either complete or partial dentures, depending on how many teeth need to be restored.

What are the types of dentures available?

• Complete Denture – Full or complete dentures replace all of the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws. These suit patients who have lost all of their natural teeth. Complete dentures stay in place by suction and muscle control.
• Partial Dentures – Partial dentures can be made in Chrome (metal) or Acrylic (resin) materials. Both types fill in the spaces left by lost or missing teeth and are attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Acrylic partial dentures are more suitable for patient's who have lost one or a few teeth. They provide a natural look due to acrylic imitating the colour of your gingiva. The chrome metal base fits more accurately around the teeth, gum and bones and is usually less bulky in the mouth. These are more suitable for patient's whom have lost several teeth, especially in a row.

Dentures are made to closely resemble your natural teeth so little noticeable change in appearance is evident. They will improve the look of your smile, in addition to helping fill out the appearance of your face and profile. Chewing ability and speech production are also improved over time.

Maintenance of Dentures

Dentures will require relining between three and six months, when immediate fitting occurs after extractions, due to bone and gum shrinkage.