|Dr. Alan Wishneff D.D.S.
Restorative Dentistry / Oral Health
January 19, 2016
Dentures are used to replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. They are removable replacements for these teeth. There are two types of dentures used by dentists today. They are either complete or partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when most of the teeth are missing and partial dentures are used when there are still some natural teeth remaining in the area.
There are two types of complete dentures, conventional and immediate. Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue in the area has healed. These dentures are ready for placement in the mouth about eight weeks after the teeth are removed.
Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. This allows the patient to not have to go without teeth while the mouth is healing. The big downside to this fast response is that the bones and gums tend to shrink over time, especially during the healing period after the teeth are removed. This leads to frequent adjustments for the dentures to fit properly during the healing process. Most of the time, immediate dentures are considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures are made and placed in.
Partial dentures are also known as a bridge and they are removable. The dentures contain replacement teeth that are attached to a gum colored plastic base. The teeth are then connected together by a metal framework that will hold the dentures in place within the mouth. Partial dentures are used when there are at least one or more natural teeth remaining in the jaw. A fixed bridge will replace one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. The bridge will be cemented in place. Partial dentures help to prevent other teeth from changing positions. Precision partial dentures are removable and have internal attachments instead of clasps that attach to the surrounding crowns. This allows for a more natural looking appliance.
How Dentures are Made
Dentures generally take three to six weeks and several appointments to be completed. A series of impressions of the jaw are made. Measurements are taken of how the jaws relate to one another and how much space there is between them. Models, wax forms or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the dentures are then created. The model is tried on many times so it can get the best fit possible. After it fits properly, a final cast of the denture will be made. Adjustments can be made once the dentures are placed into position.
For more information about this topic or any other dental topic, contact Dr.Wishneff at [email protected] or call (561) 488-3111. Dr. Alan Wishneff is a Boca Raton Dentist dedicated to bringing patients state-of-the-art dental care. As a cosmetic, family and restorative dentist, he helps patients enjoy a natural and healthy smile. He is trained in cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain veneers; advanced cosmetic bonding techniques; oral surgery; medical emergency procedures; advanced crown and bridge; advanced TMJ; implant dentistry; endodontics-root canals: utilization of most advanced dental materials. Dr, Wishneff and staff are dedicated to providing great smiles in Boca Raton for more than 30 years. After more than two decades of practicing dentistry in Boca Raton, Dr. Wishneff is more committed than ever to this community.