Dentures are custom-made, removable prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth, using impressions taken from the mouth. While dentures may take some time to get used to, and won’t feel exactly the same as natural teeth, they are natural looking and more comfortable than ever. There are three types of dentures: conventional full, immediate full and partial dentures. The type of denture that you require greatly depends on the amount of teeth that need replacing.

Conventional Full Denture

A conventional full denture is placed in the mouth after remaining teeth are removed and the soft tissue has healed. The healing process may take several months, during which time the patient will have to go without teeth.

Immediate Full Denture

An immediate full denture is inserted into the mouth immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. Immediate full dentures offer the benefit of not having to go without teeth, however, they have to be relined several months after they are inserted, in order to ensure that the supporting bone does not reshape and cause the denture to slant.

Partial Denture

A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to the natural teeth. Sometimes plastic or metal extensions are placed on some of the natural teeth and serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges.

New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even months. Eating and speaking with dentures might take a little practice. A bulky or loose feeling is not uncommon, while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Excessive saliva flow, a feeling that the tongue does not have adequate room, and minor irritation or soreness are also not unusual.