Tooth loss may be caused by gum disease, tooth decay or injuries. Missing teeth can impair your facial structure, verbal and digestive processes, affecting your overall health and quality of life. The good news is that missing teeth can be replaced by implant retained dentures that function like natural teeth.
Partial Dentures
- Partial dentures are used when a few of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw are missing, and may either be fixed or removed.
- Fixed (or “crown and bridge”) dentures replace missing teeth by fitting crowns on the adjacent teeth and placing artificial teeth in the empty spaces by attaching them to these crowns.
- Partially removable dentures are typically less expensive than the fixed ones and also prevent crookedness or misalignment in the other teeth. However, fixed dentures are more stable as they are secured in one place.
Complete Dentures
- If you are missing all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw, you will need complete dentures. These are full jaw replacements and can be divided into two types: immediate and conventional.
- Immediate dentures are placed the instant your natural teeth are removed. Teeth and jaw impressions are typically taken beforehand. This means you won’t need to be without teeth after your original ones have been extracted. These dentures typically need to be relined after 3 months following delivery.
- Conventional dentures are fitted into place once the teeth have already been extracted and the gum tissue is at a healing stage, usually eight to twelve weeks after removal of teeth. Impressions are taken after the original teeth have been extracted.
After the Procedure
While your dentures are new, it may take you some time to adjust to them both physically and mentally. The first few weeks or even months may be slightly uncomfortable and awkward, as you will need to practice speaking and eating with a whole new set of teeth. Your symptoms will resolve in time.