We Know: All About Dentures

What are dentures?

Dentures are fake teeth made to resemble a healthy version of a person's original teeth. Before dentures can be installed, some or all of the patient's teeth must be permanently pulled. The time in between the teeth being pulled and the denture installed can be four weeks or more, though it depends on the patient's circumstances. Immediate complete dentures are installed much faster and are actually fitted before the original teeth are removed.

Who needs dentures?

A person may lose her/his original teeth, or need to have them pulled, because of gum diseases or poor dental hygiene. Some drug users also lose their teeth because certain drugs like crack cocaine break down and destroy the teeth.

What kinds of dentures are there?

Depending on what you need, your doctor may recommend one of the following:

  • Partial dentures: For when you only need some of your teeth replaced. Can be removable or fixed which is permanent.
  • Complete dentures: For when you need to have all of your teeth replaced. Can be removable or fixed which is permanent.
  • Implant retained denture: This is the newest type and can be used as either a partial or a complete denture. Metal implants are installed in the jawbone to support artificial teeth.

Things to Know About Dentures

  • New dentures may be uncomfortable at first and require some adjustments by the dentist.
  • On average, dentures need to be replaced about every five years because they become worn down and the fit may no longer be as good.
  • Dentures are available in a variety of color and size to look as natural as possible on the patient.
  • Dentures can stay in place by being closely matched to a person's underlying tissues thereby creating a vacuum, or they may use a special cement, magnets or springs.
  • Most dentures are made with acrylic, though some are porcelain.


Privacy Policy | Terms of Use © 2003-2009, ineed2know.org

Sponsored by

ineed2know.org proudly supports