We have a number of options when it comes to dentures. Your choice of dentures depends on your lifestyle as well as your health needs.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are used when all your teeth are missing. Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.”
Conventional dentures are used when teeth must first be removed. These dentures are generally ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed, when the gum tissue has begun to heal.
Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made prior to tooth extraction. They can be placed soon after the teeth are removed. Immediate dentures are normally used until conventional dentures can be made.
The advantage is that the patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. On the other hand, because bones and gums tend to shrink during the healing period, immediate dentures may require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process.
Fixed Partial Dentures
A fixed partial denture (FPD) is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. These “fixed appliances” bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Typically, a bridge (FPD) is composed of two crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth/teeth in between. The false teeth can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.
Bridges provide many benefits for the dental patient:
- They help restore your smile.
- They help restore your ability to properly chew and speak.
- They maintain the shape of your face.
- They ensure the forces in your bite are distributed properly.
- They can prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
A bridge is a non-removable replacement for a missing tooth. It is anchored by teeth or implants on both sides of the missing tooth.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are used when some of your natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A removable partial denture will fill in the spaces created by missing teeth while also preventing other teeth from changing position.
Denture Repair
If you already have dentures, we can repair them quickly and easily with our Drufomat machine. You should not have to suffer with broken or ill-fitting dentures. This remarkable machine enables us to make repairs and adjustments while you sit in our office instead of waiting for weeks for the lab to complete those for you.
Are You Missing Any Teeth?
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Most dental insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of dentures.
Talk to Dr. Sicher to determine if dentures are the right choice for you. He can also help you choose the type of tooth replacement that would be best for your situation.