Dentures in St George

Most everybody knows what a denture is but in order to be thorough, a denture is an acrylic set of teeth on an acrylic plate. It takes up the space of missing teeth and collapsed tissue. A denture can resemble your natural teeth and can even enhance your smile. Before the days of cosmetic dentistry, dentures were used to create the perfect smile for those old-time Hollywood Stars.

Functionally, a denture is more of an alternative to no teeth versus a quality replacement of teeth. A denture to replace teeth is similar to a wig for missing hair. Dental implants can improve the function and stability of dentures. Dental implants can even be used to stabilize an existing denture.

Types of Dentures

There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.  A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth but also prevents other teeth from shifting.

A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually 4 to 6 weeks).  During this time, the patient will go without teeth.  Immediate dentures are made before teeth are removed and immediately placed at the time of surgery, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process.  Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments and an acrylic reline will have to be performed.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, and readjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for Dentures:

• Complete Denture – Loss of all teeth in an arch.
• Partial Denture – Loss of several teeth in an arch.
• Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
• Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.

At Red Hills Dental, the process of getting a conventional denture requires several appointments, usually over a few weeks.  We use THE BEST LAB and do not rush quality. Our patients rave about the dentures we make! And Dr. Bergman loves to make our patients happy. Highly accurate impressions (molds) are taken and used to create your custom denture.  Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit.  At the final appointment, Dr. Bergman will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty when the denture is first placed, however, this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will prolong the life of your new denture.