Dentures

A denture is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth, and provides support for the cheeks and lips.

Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways.

● A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the gums have healed.
● An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the gums are allowed to heal under the denture.

The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain, or a combination of both. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over the existing gum tissue or it can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit.

Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw in alignment. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth.

Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.