A standard denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Dentures are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. That’s because dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teeth—things that people often take for granted.

There are two types of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, providing a new chewing surface and preventing other teeth from shifting.

A complete denture may be either conventional or immediate. The conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made to the immediate denture.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years. However, they may have to be relined, remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for Dentures

• Complete Denture to replace all teeth in an arch

• Partial Denture to replace several teeth in an arch

• Avoid sunken or aged-looking facial tissues

• Improve chewing, speech, and confidence

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, Dr. Russo will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty when your partial or complete denture is first placed. However, this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in extending the life of your new dentures.