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Dentures

Dentures provide the easiest and most convenient way of replacing missing teeth. Some or all teeth may be missing or may have to be removed. The gaps left by missing teeth may cause issues when eating or can cause problems with your speech. There may also be problems with the teeth either side of the gap moving into the space left behind. This can cause the remaining teeth to become crooked.

Benefits of Dentures:

Depending on how many teeth are missing there are two options available: Partial and Full Dentures. They can be shade matched to your existing teeth.

Partial Dentures

If only one or a few teeth are missing or have been removed, Partial dentures provide the best solution. It is designed to fill in the gaps caused by missing teeth.

It will be made of either a plastic, metal or bio-soft base and have the required number of synthetic teeth attached to it. The dentures attach using metal clasps to some existing natural teeth. As long as you have natural teeth in place, you cannot wear a full set, so a partial set of dentures is necessary.

Full Dentures:

A full set of dentures may be required and beneficial if all teeth are missing or have to be replaced. The basic structure of a full denture is similar to partial ones, but instead of being attached to remaining teeth, it fits snugly over your gums and jawbone. Recent advances in technology have made them more comfortable and natural looking than ever!

When considering getting a full set of dentures, it will first be determined if this is the best option to replace teeth or alternate solutions will be suitable. There are two options with full dentures:

Immediate Dentures can be fitted as soon as teeth have been removed. This not only provides tooth functionality but also aesthetic benefits. It should be noted that gums and bones will alter quickly and the dentures will probably need some adjustments like relining or remaking after a few months.

Sometimes it is more suitable that, after teeth removal, gums be allowed to heal and settle for a couple of weeks (duration will be determined on individual case basis) before dentures are fitted since bones and gums shrink after teeth removal. This approach allows for the set of complete dentures to fit securely with minimum adjustments required later on.