Dentures are removable oral appliances used to replace missing teeth. There are two main types of dentures which are full and partial dentures. Full dentures are used to replace all teeth, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
Most dentures are composed of replacement teeth attached to plastic, nylon or metal frameworks. Where teeth are missing, the dentures are fitted with a pink-colored acrylic base to mimic gum tissue. Dentures are removable for cleaning.
Denture Relines, Rebasing & Repairs
Your dentures are designed to last a long time, but eventually, they will need to be replaced or relined.
When your dentures need relining, it means that your jaw has changed shape, and the denture base no longer fits properly. Your jaw and lips have probably changed shape due to bone resorption (the loss of bone), or because you’ve lost or gained weight.
Our prosthodontist can reline your dentures if the fit of your dentures is affecting your ability to chew or speak. If your dentures are loose, causing sores, or if you’re experiencing difficulty chewing, this is a sign of a denture that needs to be relined.
If the prosthodontist determines that dentures should be relined, they will remove a small amount of material from the existing denture base. This allows them to form a new base that will fit your jaw and teeth.
Immediate Dentures
When you’ve lost your natural teeth, there are several options for tooth replacement. Immediate dentures provide a removable, temporary tooth replacement option that allows you to chew and speak normally immediately after tooth loss.
Immediate dentures are temporary and designed to prepare you for permanent tooth replacement. They consist of a gum-colored base with replacement teeth attached. The denture’s base is designed to look natural, so it will blend with your other teeth. Immediate dentures are stable in your mouth, which allows you to eat, speak, and function normally. Since immediate dentures are removable, you can take them out for cleaning.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are supported by dental implants. These dentures snap onto attachments on your dental implants, so they are more stable than other types of dentures. Implant-supported dentures are also more comfortable, so they’ll fit better.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are dental appliances that replace missing teeth. They attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps, which prevent them from moving out of place. The partial dentures also replace any missing gum tissue. Partial dentures can be crafted out of metal and acrylic resin, but it’s more common to use acrylic resin.
Partial dentures are worn during the day and removed for cleaning. The appliance is designed to fit your mouth precisely, so you’ll only be able to wear it comfortably for a short time. When it’s time to remove it, you’ll have to visit our prosthodontist's office to have it relined, or refitted, to fit your mouth.
Soft Denture Liners
Soft denture liners are a soft and comfortable way to replace lost gum tissue. They act as an occlusive barrier that fills in spaces where gums are receded.
Patients cannot remove the soft denture liners themselves. The liners are made from a soft silicone material, so patients can chew and talk normally with them. They do not interfere with a patient’s speech, bite, or ability to chew food.
The prosthodontist and the team are happy to explain the dental treatments offered at the practice in detail. If you would like to learn more, we invite you to give Prosthodontics in Atlanta GA a call at (404) 255-4575 and schedule a consultation.