Natural looking dentures are a removable appliance used to replace missing teeth and can be used to improve a patient’s smile or ability to chew and function.

What are dentures?

Dentures are appliances that are removable.  They are replacements for missing teeth and their surrounding tissue. They are engineered to resemble your natural teeth with a mold being made so a match can be made for your teeth. Dentures can even enhance your smile by supporting facial tissues.

Natural looking dentures

When all of your teeth are missing, complete dentures will be used. Partial dentures are used when you have some natural teeth remaining. Partial dentures can fill any spaces left by missing teeth, as well as prevent the other teeth from shifting and causing problems.

When it comes to complete dentures, they can either be immediate or conventional. Only after your teeth have all been removed and the gum tissue has healed 4 to 6 weeks later would conventional dentures be made. During this waiting period, you will go without teeth.

On the other hand, immediate dentures are made before the teeth are removed and are placed right after their removal so you won’t go without teeth during the healing process. After the tissue has finished shrinking and the swelling has gone down, adjustments will be made after the healing.

Dentures are durable dental appliances that can last you many years, but may require being remade, readjusted or repaired because of normal wear. There are several reasons for dentures, such as the loss of several teeth or all the teeth in an arch, enhancing the smile and facial tissues, improving chewing or speech as well as digestion improvements.

The process of getting dentures

The process usually takes several weeks and involves making highly accurate molds and measurements to ensure your new teeth are a perfect fit. Several appointments may be required to make sure your teeth are shaped properly, have the right color and the right fit.

At your last appointment, your dentist will not only adjust, but also place the complete dentures in your mouth making sure the fit is not only natural but also comfortable.

When you start wearing dentures, you may notice increased saliva, soreness and challenges when chewing or speaking. As your muscles and mouth tissues get used to the dentures, you will find these functions to be much more normal.