Dentures, prosthetic dental devices that can be used in place of missing or weak teeth, are not a new invention. In fact, George Washington, who suffered from dental problems his entire life and had only a single tooth when he became president, had multiple sets of false teeth created. They included a set carved from ivory that was held together with gold springs and another set fashioned from human teeth.

Fortunately, dentures have improved significantly since that time, and there is a set of dentures that will accommodate your specific dental situation. The type of dentures your dentist may recommend will depend on how many teeth are being replaced.

Why Use Dentures?

If you have missing or weakened teeth, dentures may be able to:

• Fill out the appearance of your face, reversing the sagging of facial tissues that can result from the loss of teeth. 
• Improve your appearance and health by eliminating the need of a diet restricted to soft or pureed foods and making it easier for you to chew.
• Make it easier to pronounce your words and improve your speech.

Types of Dentures

• Full or Conventional Dentures - Full or conventional dentures are placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth have been removed and after the tissues of your gums have healed, which can take at least a few months. The dentures that replace the teeth in the upper jaw generally have an acrylic base that covers the gums and the roof the mouth so that the denture set is fit securely. The denture set for the lower teeth has a horseshoe-shaped acrylic base. 
• Immediate Dentures -  Having taken measurements during a prior visit, your dentist will insert immediate dentures on the day your remaining teeth are removed. It could be several weeks before your mouth is fully healed.. In the meantime, your immediate dentures can be lined with a soft material that will help to make your mouth feel more comfortable. 
• Partial Dentures or Overdentures - - If you have only a small number of teeth missing, your dentist may fit you with partial dentures or overdentures. These dentures can be attached to your natural teeth in many ways, such as with metal clasps that can grip your teeth. The crowns on your natural teeth can be used as attachment points and can enhance the fit of partial dentures, especially when precision attachments are necessary. 
• Implant-Supported Dentures - Implants in the jawbone that emerge from the gums are used to anchor these dentures. The implants are surgically placed and are typically fitted at the front of the jaw. Implant-supported dentures tend to be more stable than other types of dentures. 

If you think that you are a good candidate for dentures, contact us at Premier Dental Care. We will examine your mouth and create a customized dental solution for you.