Dentures

A denture is an appliance that is placed in the mouth and replaces natural teeth and supports lips and cheeks.

There are two different ways to fabricate dentures, which are mostly made from acrylic.

A conventional denture is made once the gums have healed after all teeth have been extracted.

• 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, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
• A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.

The teeth can be made of porcelain, plastic, or a combination of thereof. Dentures can be made to fit over that had been endodontically treated, and a complete denture can be joined to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit.

Dentures will have to be replaced or relined over a course of time to keep the jaw alignment normal. Because the teeth have been extracted, the alignment will change when the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink. It is very important for the denture wearer to visit the dentist regularly for examinations of that the oral tissues for disease or change.