Introduction:
Dentures are made to take the place of the natural teeth that you have lost. They help to let you speak clearly again and make it possible for you to be comfortable while eating and drinking.
The dentures that are used today come very close to simulating real teeth and gums both in color and durability.
A full set of dentures will come in two parts, the upper and the lower. You may just need one or the other depending on how many teeth you have lost. A full denture will be held in place by a natural vacuum that your mouth creates. If you have recently had your teeth extracted you can be fitted for a denture after the healing process is complete. In the meantime you can wear an intermediate denture.
A partial denture will fill in the gap left by the loss of several teeth in a row. It will be supported by the two teeth on either side of the missing teeth which may need to be crowned for the extra strength necessary to support the partial denture. Overdentures are made to fit over existing teeth or implants.
Symptoms:
If you have lost teeth due to decay or trauma you are a candidate for some type of denture.
Diagnosis:
Your dentist will examine the shape of your teeth and gums and take xrays for a closer look at your jawbone structure.
Treatment:
Your dentist will discuss options for your dentures and how they might be installed. If your gums are healthy enough he may talk to you about implants.
The next step will be to make a mold of your teeth, gums and jaws that will be used to custom make your denture. You will be asked to leave an impression on a piece of dental wax in order to record the pattern of your bite. All this information will be sent to the lab to help create a true replica of your natural teeth.
The lab will send a trial version to your dentist so that he can try it on you for size and get your approval. Once you have been fitted with the actual denture you will need to give yourself time to get used to wearing it. Your dentist may need to make adjustments along the way.