Dentures

There are two main types of dentures: full dentures and partial dentures. The right option depends on how many teeth are missing and your individual dental needs.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are used when all of a person’s teeth are missing. A flesh-colored acrylic base is fitted over the gums, with the upper denture covering the roof of the mouth and the lower denture shaped to leave room for the tongue. Each denture is made in a dental lab using an impression of the patient’s mouth for a personalized fit.

There are two types of full dentures: conventional and immediate.

Conventional Full Dentures

Conventional full dentures are fitted after any remaining teeth have been removed and the surrounding tissue has healed. Because the mouth needs time to heal, it may take several weeks before the dentures can be fitted.

Immediate Full Dentures

Immediate full dentures are placed shortly after the remaining teeth are removed. Impressions are taken beforehand so the dentures can be prepped in advance, allowing patients to avoid going without teeth during the healing process. As the gums and jaw change during healing, immediate dentures may need to be adjusted or refitted over the following months.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They are designed to fill the spaces left by missing teeth while working with the remaining natural teeth for support. In some cases, dental crowns may be placed on remaining teeth to serve as anchors for the partial denture.

The right kind of denture depends on your oral health, the number of teeth you are missing, and your individual needs. Our team will evaluate your smile, discuss the available options, and help determine whether full or partial dentures are the best fit for you.

Dentures are designed to last for years, but they may need to be adjusted, relined, or replaced over time due to normal wear and changes in your mouth. As your gums and jaw naturally change, dentures can begin to feel loose or fit differently.

It can also take some time to adjust to new dentures. While they should begin to feel more natural with time, persistent irritation, discomfort, or changes in fit should be evaluated by your dentist. If you have concerns about your dentures, please contact us.

Regular dental visits are also important for maintaining a comfortable fit and checking the condition of your dentures. We recommend scheduling a dental visit at least once a year so we can make sure your dentures continue to fit and function properly.

1. When removing your dentures, stand over a folded towel or sink filled with water to help protect them if they are accidentally dropped.
2. Keep dentures moist when they are not being worn by placing them in water or an appropriate denture-cleaning solution. Avoid hot water, which can cause dentures to lose their shape.
3. Brush your dentures daily to remove food and buildup.
4. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean your gums, tongue, and palate each day before putting in your dentures.
5. If your dentures break, crack, become loose, or no longer fit comfortably, schedule an appointment with your dentist rather than trying to adjust them yourself.

If you’re considering dentures in Independence, MO, the team at Dental Excellence is here to help. We can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you understand what to expect throughout the process. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out which denture option may be right for you.