Dentures are an appliance inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth, and provides support for the cheeks and lips.
Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated in two 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 after the teeth are extracted. The tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
- An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh-colored, covering the palate (roof of the mouth).
- A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe, leaving room for the tongue.
The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain, or a combination thereof. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over-treated teeth. A complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure appliance fit.
Regular Denture Care
Over an ordinary course of time, dentures will wear and need to be replaced or relined to keep the jaw alignment regularly. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.
Dentures to Implants
Suppose you're thinking of getting dental implants. In that case, it's essential to know that they may not be an option if you're already wearing dentures. That's because implants are placed in the jawbone, and if there's no bone left, there's no place for them to go.
If you have dentures and are thinking about getting implants, you may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures. These are dentures attached to implants, giving them more stability and making them feel more like natural teeth.
If you're considering dental implants, talk to your dentist about whether they're an option. You can schedule an appointment today in one of our locations! We are located in Houston, Baytown, and Mont Belvieu!