TREATMENTS

Dentures

A denture, or complete denture as it is often called, is used when an entire arch of teeth is lost (upper, lower, or both). Dentures are a removable 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.

          1. A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.

          2. An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed
              to heal under the denture.

An upper denture has acrylic, which is tissue colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth). A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue. Denture teeth are usually made of plastic, although porcelain is occasionally used in addition to the plastic.

Overdentures are dentures that can be fabricated to fit over endodonticly treated teeth.

Dental implants have greatly changed treatment options, even for dentures. Dentures can be attached to dental implants (called an the implant supported overdenture) and allow for a more secure fit of the appliance. In addition, dental implants maintain the level of the bone and prevent the loss of ridges associated with conventional dentures.

Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. 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.