PHONE (704) 364-3717 | FAX (704) 665-0996

Dentures

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. In the past, dentures were sometimes uncomfortable and awkward, but today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.

Types of Dentures

There are three types of dentures:

  • Conventional Full Denture – a conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months, during which time you are without teeth.
  • Immediate Full Denture – an immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. (Your doctor takes measurements and makes models of your jaw during a prior visit.) While immediate dentures offer the benefit of never having to be without your teeth, they must be relined several months after being inserted. The reason is that the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, causing the denture to become loose.
  • Partial Denture – a partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges.

Benefits of Dentures

Dentures are beneficial in multiple ways:

  • Mastication – chewing ability is improved by replacing missing teeth with dentures.
  • Aesthetics – dentures not only restore a natural and attractive appearance to the teeth, but can also correct the collapsed exterior of lips and cheeks that occurs after losing teeth.
  • Confidence – a healthy and beautiful-looking smile will help the patient feel more confident and attractive.
  • Phonetics – by replacing missing teeth, patients will be able to better pronounce certain words that require the use of teeth to speak.