Dentures are a removable dental appliance that acts as a replacement for missing teeth. Our St. Paul, MN General Dentist office creates dentures that closely resemble your natural teeth. Depending on your particular situation, dentures may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures – complete and partial. Complete dentures are necessary when all teeth are missing or have been removed. Partial dentures are used when some of the patient’s natural teeth remain. The use of partial dentures fills spaces created by missing teeth, and also act as a stabilizer to prevent surrounding teeth from drifting into the empty space.
A complete set of dentures are either “conventional” or “immediate.” Conventional dentures are used after teeth have been removed and gum tissue has had time to heal, usually about 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient goes without teeth. For patients who do not want to go without teeth, immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed. Once the healing period is over, adjustments will be made to ensure proper fit of the denture.
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments over a period of time. Accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. The St. Paul, MN Dentures Dentist will schedule several appointments so that your dentures can be adjusted to ensure proper shape, fit and color. During the final appointment, your dentures will be precisely fit and adjusted, and the completed denture placed.
Most patients experience an adjustment period as they get used to the new dentures. During this process it is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty. However, this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.
Upon receiving your dentures, you will be given care instructions. As with any other dental appliance or restoration, proper cleaning, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits can extend the life of your new dentures.