Dentures (false teeth) are prosthetic replacements made to replace missing teeth. We offer 3 types of dentures; complete (full), partial type denture, temporary (flipper) denture. When all teeth need replacing, complete types can be used whereas when several teeth in the same arch need replacing, a partial can be used.
Complete Dentures
A complete denture is made to be removable, unlike permanent teeth replacements such as dental implants. Normally, these types of prosthetics are placed in the mouth after natural teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. This takes about 8 to 12 weeks.
Partial Dentures
Removable partials normally consist of artificial teeth connected to a plastic base, which is held in position with a metal framework. When a patient decides to have partial dentures, a dental-care professional at Tooth Spa will take a series of impressions of the jaw as well as measurements of how the jaws fit together.
A model of the dentures will then be created. This model will be placed in the mouth and any necessary alterations will be determined and made. After the model has been correctly fitted, a cast of the final prosthetic is created from the model. The entire procedure requires several appointments over a period of 4-6 weeks.
Temporary Dentures (Flippers)
Another option for complete dental prosthetics is an immediate temporary denture, which is placed in the mouth immediately following the extraction of natural teeth. A temporary denture is made before natural teeth are removed for immediate replacement. This allows the patient to avoid being without teeth at any time. However, when gums heal, they will shrink and immediate types will eventually need to be replaced with conventional prosthetics.
Denture Alternatives
Because a denture must be removed for cleaning and the use of adhesives are often necessary to provide more stability, many patients choose to have bridges or dental implants installed as an alternative. Bridges and implants provide a more natural look and feel, much like real teeth. They are also more permanently fixed offering more stability.