Full & Immediate Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

Complete dentures can be either "conventional" or "immediate." Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore, while an immediate denture is usually the first denture worn,  they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and are generally considered a temporary solution and a conventional denture is usually indicated after a year of healing.

Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by and a flexible tooth colored base or a metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw.  Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision fitting partial denture is a removable appliance and has internal attachments rather than external clasps and insert into the side of the adjacent crowns. This is a very natural-looking appliance.

For a comprehensive exam please give our office a call at 714-887-0444 and mention your interest in dentures.