Dentures are dental appliances made for each patient individually. They are used to replace some or all missing teeth in the mouth. Once the teeth are pulled out, generally the patients have to wait around four weeks after which the work for dentures can be started. Dentures can be used to replace one missing tooth or all missing teeth in the mouth.

Conventional dentures are removable. But with the advent of newer techniques, it is now possible to retain them in the mouth using copings or dental implants. These advancements have been reported to provide much improved patient satisfaction and comfort.

Group of dentures on white background

Dentures improve:

  • Patient esthetics / appearance
  • Patient’s diet
  • Patient’s social interaction
  • Patient’s overall standard of living

However, like any other appliance, dentures need to be cleaned and maintained regularly.

The procedure may require multiple visits typically but can vary case to case.

Denture appointments are typically in the series given below:

  • Simple impression of the upper and lower arches is taken.
  • Detailed impression of the arches taken
  • Some features of the face of the patient recorded
  • Trial with the teeth done
  • Denture delivered to the patient

These appointments can increase or decrease depending upon each case.

Types of Dentures

There are many types of dentures depending on which teeth they are replacing or the material they are constructed from. Dentures replacing few teeth are called partial dentures and dentures replacing all missing teeth in the mouth are called complete dentures. Dentures are generally made from a pink material, sometimes a flexible material and sometimes from a cast metal.

Pink Dentures

Pink Dentures

Cast Metal Dentures

Pink Denture

Cast metal dentures have shown the highest percentage of longevity and patient satisfaction compared to any other material, according to several studies. Cast metal dentures, generally called CPD, have much stronger, easier to keep clean and give an additional advantage of a natural feeling of hot and cold food items in the mouth. This natural proprioception is normally not seen with patients who use flexible or pink dentures. All the patient has to do is visit their dentist whenever called and after receiving their dentures all they need to do is keep them clean and follow the doctor’s instructions. This way they can continue living a healthy, fulfilling life.