How Dentures Work

If you are missing one or more teeth you may be considering having dentures made to replace the them. This is a very important step in maintaining and restoring the overall health of your mouth and appearance. If you are thinking about taking this important step, you may have several questions.

Why do you need them?

The first thing that happens when you lose teeth is the structure of your mouth and jaw change significantly. Without teeth present the surrounding jaw bone shrinks drastically which can change the way your facial structure looks. The pressure of your remaining teeth (if any) causes your bite to shift to compensate which can cause remaining teeth to shift even more. As this process unfolds, your other teeth will experience problems and changes in structure.

How do they work?

Your dentist will custom make the dentures to fit your mouth specifically. This will be done using an imprint of your mouth. There are essentially three types to choose from: conventional full, immediate full, and partial. You and your dentist will determine which one is right for you depending on the overall health and structure of your mouth.

The differences between conventional full and immediate full boil down to the time taken between the removal / loss of the teeth and the time when the dentures are inserted. Conventional full are installed following the loss or removal of all of the remaining teeth and the tissues have completely healed. This can take weeks or months in some cases. While you wait for the tissues to heal you will be without teeth. Immediate full are installed immediately after the loss or removal of the remaining teeth. This offers you the benefit of never being without teeth. You will have to have the appliance relined months after it is inserted. This is because as your mouth heals from the loss of the teeth, the bone that supports your teeth will change and cause the dentures to become loose. Regardless of whether they are immediate or conventional the structure of the appliance is the same. The base of the appliance is flesh colored and made of acrylic. It is fitted over the gums. The upper base covers the roof of your mouth, while the lower base is u-shaped in order to fit around your tongue.

The partial version is different in several ways. For one, it is not meant to replace all of the teeth in your mouth. It is only meant to replace the one or few that are missing. The structure of the appliance is made on a metal framework. This metal attaches to your existing teeth. In some cases, crowns are attached that go over some of the existing teeth. This provides an additional anchor point for the denture. Partials are removable and easily cared for.

Regardless of which version is right for you, choosing to have the dentures made for your mouth will significantly improve the overall health and function of your mouth. It will also improve your appearance. Talk to your dentist about which option is right for you.

More About Dentures : How Much Dentures Cost