Full and Partial Dentures

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional denture is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has had time to recover. The denture is usually ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the tooth’s extraction.

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made beforehand and can be placed during the same visit as the tooth extraction. As a result, you won’t need to be seen without a tooth during the healing period. Gums and bones diminish over time, especially throughout the recovery duration following tooth elimination. Therefore, a drawback of immediate dentures is that they need more adjustments during the healing process to fit appropriately. In many cases, these are considered as a temporary option until conventional dentures can be made.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture or bridge typically consists of removable replacement teeth connected to a pink or gum-colored plastic base that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are utilized when several natural teeth stay in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed bridge uses crowns on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, connecting synthetic teeth to them. This “bridge” is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces left by the missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from altering position. A precision partial denture is removable and has an internal structure that helps connect it to the surrounding crowns. This is a more natural-looking option.

How Long to Wear Partial Dentures

We’ll review with you how long to wear your dentures and when to remove them, also when to clean them. During the very first several days after receiving your dentures, you may be asked to wear them all the time, including while you sleep. Once modifications are made, you should be able to remove your partial dentures before going to bed.