People of all ages can be affected by missing teeth, and not everyone is a good candidate for implants.  Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, designed to maintain appearance, facilitate speech, help with eating, and prevent any remaining teeth from shifting from their position.  The base of a denture is usually a special plastic made to look like natural gum tissues, although sometimes the base may be a plastic-covered metal frame.  Porcelain or composite teeth are set into the plastic base, so the effect is natural in appearance.

Definitions:  Dentures are commonly classified as partial or complete dentures.  Partial dentures are usually used by those who have some of their natural teeth remaining, and are often anchored by attachments to remaining teeth or tooth roots. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw are missing.  If teeth have been removed recently, it may take 8 to 12 weeks for the gum tissue to be healed sufficiently to place a conventional denture.  However, some patients are candidates for immediate dentures, which can be made in advance and placed in position immediately after teeth are removed. These dentures need to be rebased or re-adapted to the healed surfaces from 6 weeks to 6 months later.These dentures need to be rebased or re-adapted to the healed surfaces from 6 weeks to 6 months later.

How long does it take?  If dentures are the solution, expect the process to take some time.  As mentioned, teeth may need to be removed before fitting the denture, so allow time for healing. Healing time varies with each patient and his or her unique situation.  Once healing has occurred, we will make impressions of your jaw and create models so that your denture will fit comfortably. Several measurements will be taken to make sure you will look and feel the best. Your ability to speak, chew and smile is not a dead given. The process of creating a pleasing result is very complex and needs a lot of expert attention. Creating a quality denture in a day or even a couple of weeks is not possible and statistics shows than less than 10% of the US population has any satisfactory use of those kinds of dentures. Meticulous attention to details over 5 to 10 appointments will generate the best of results both esthetically and functionally.

Adjusting to new dentures: Expect some soreness and difficulty in chewing or speaking initially, though most patients adjust to their new dentures within days. ( “Gaggers” are an exception to the rule.  A strong gag reflex will often make it impossible to function with a denture in the mouth without constantly feeling as if you may have to vomit.  If you know you have such a strong reflex, please ask about alternatives to dentures.) Implant supported restorations is a great alternative for all patients. These solutions are costly, but rather being left with 10% chewing capacity, implant-supported dentures are functioning more like natural teeth and do not come loose while in place during daily function.

Care and maintenance.  Once a denture is fitted, regular ( twice a year) visits to the dentist should be scheduled so that the continued fit of the denture can be monitored, and so that the dentist can clean or repair the denture as needed (never try to adjust or repair your dentures at home!).  Bone and gum tissue will shrink or change shape over time, and the dentures must be adjusted to compensate for these changes.  Well-fitting dentures do not require any adhesives and therefore will not expose you to the risk of rampant yeast infections – another problem that can affect your overall health.  This is even more critical as we age, or for those who are medically compromised.  Long-term, dentures will need to be relined or rebased; good maintenance habits will ensure maximum utility and comfort. Statistically, the dentures need to be remade every 7 years. If the maintenance recommended has been followed the remake is usually a very simple procedure and not costly compared with a neglected denture that has been in place for an extended period of time.