Dentures

 

A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips.

Most dentures are made of acrylic/plastic, porcelain or a combination of both and can be fabricated in different ways:

• A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.

• 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.

 

Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.