If you need a dentures definition it can be described as, a denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. Complete dentures are either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional denture is placed in the mouth about a month after all the teeth are removed to allow proper healing, whereas an immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed. The drawback behind an immediate denture is that it may require more adjustments after the healing.

Who needs a denture?

Candidates for full dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech and supports facial muscles. It will significantly enhance the facial appearance and smile.

What happens when you get a denture?

A dentist can make a complete conventional denture when all teeth have been lost, or all extraction sites have healed (up to eight weeks or longer.) The denture process takes about one month and five appointments:

• The initial diagnosis is made.
• An impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position.
• A “try-in” is placed to ensure proper color, shape, and fit.
• The patient’s final denture is placed, following any minor adjustments.

New denture wearers need time to get accustomed to their new “teeth” because even the best-fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While most patients can begin to speak normally within a few hours, many patients report discomfort with eating for several days to a few weeks. Start with soft, easy-to-chew foods to get accustomed to chewing with a new denture. In addition, denture wearers often notice a slight change in facial appearance, increased salivary flow, or minor speech difficulty.

How do you care for a denture?

A dental denture is fragile, so it is essential to handle it with care. Remove and brush the denture daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically for cleaning dentures, using either a denture cleanser or toothpaste. Never use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including abrasive toothpaste, because they may scratch the surface of the denture. Don’t sterilize your denture with boiling water because it will cause it to become warped. If you wear a partial denture, be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth. When not in use, soak it in a cleanser solution or water. Get in the habit of keeping the denture in the same safe and handy place to reduce the likelihood of misplacement.