What are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial teeth designed to replace missing natural teeth. If you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or a whole jaw of them, dentures can help restore your smile and improve your quality of life.
Without teeth, facial muscles can sag over time, which may make you look older. Dentures can support your facial structure by filling out your cheeks and lips, helping you maintain a more natural, youthful profile.
Because dentures are custom-made to closely match the look of your natural teeth, they blend in seamlessly with your smile and keep you looking like you.
Beyond aesthetics, they also protect your remaining teeth. By filling gaps left by missing teeth, dentures help prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of place, a problem that can lead to gum disease and other complications.
In your day-to-day life, dentures can make it easier to chew your food properly and speak clearly, helping you maintain comfort and confidence.
Types of Dentures
Whether you need dentures to replace one missing tooth, a row of teeth or a whole set, your dentist can help you decide on the right option for you.
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Full Dentures
If you’re missing all of your natural teeth, your dentist will recommend full dentures, often called false teeth or complete dentures.
These can be custom-fitted to your upper and/or lower gums and are usually held in place by suction or with the help of a special adhesive.
Full dentures are removable, making it easy to take them out for cleaning and sleeping.
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Partial Dentures
If you’re missing one or more teeth, your dentist might suggest partial dentures as a removable replacement option, especially if your surrounding teeth aren’t strong enough to support a dental bridge.
Partial dentures consist of one or more artificial teeth that are designed to fit securely around your natural teeth. Like full dentures, they can be easily removed for cleaning and while you sleep.
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Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures look and feel much like natural teeth and often provide greater comfort and stability compared to regular dentures, thanks to their secure fit.
They’re built to last and help you maintain strong biting and chewing abilities. Unlike traditional full or partial dentures, some implant-supported dentures can only be removed by your dentist, offering an even more reliable and permanent solution.
The Dentures Process
Getting dentures is a multi-step process that begins with a consultation where your dentist evaluates your oral health and discusses your needs with you. Then, your dentist will take detailed impressions and measurements to create dentures that fit you perfectly.
At your next appointment, you'll have the opportunity to try on a wax model of your dentures, allowing both you and your dentist to check the fit, appearance, and bite before the final version is made.
After any necessary adjustments, your custom dentures are crafted in a dental lab and fitted during a follow-up appointment, where your dentist ensures they’re comfortable and look right.
Adjusting to dentures can take time, and follow-up visits are important to give your dentist the opportunity to make any tweaks that may help you get used to speaking and eating with them.