You’re not alone if you’re considering dentures. Millions of adults in the U.S. alone have dentures, and these dental appliances are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to restore their smile. But what exactly are dentures, and what are the different types of dentures available?

Whether you’re missing one tooth or all of them, dentures can restore the function and appearance of your smile. NewStart Denture + Implant Partners offers Raleigh, North Carolina denture solutions that can give you back your confidence.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They’re custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. Traditional dentures are supported by the underlying soft tissue and gums. Immediate dentures are placed in your mouth right after natural teeth are removed, and your gums heal under them.

How Are Dentures Made?

The process of getting dentures usually takes several weeks and consists of multiple steps. First, you’ll need to have an oral examination and consultation with your dentist or prosthodontist to determine whether dentures are right for you and which type is best suited to your needs.

Next, impressions (molds) and measurements will be taken of your teeth and jaws to create a model of your dental arch(es). This information will be used by a dental laboratory to create your custom denture. A wax rim will then be placed on this model to check the fit, shape, color, and placement of the teeth in the denture base. The color of the gum tissue also will be matched so that it looks natural with your skin tone.

You’ll be able to see what your denture will look like before it’s complete, and any necessary changes can be made at this time. Once you’re happy with the way it looks, the final denture will be made from high-quality materials that look natural and feel comfortable in your mouth.

Caring for Your Dentures

It’s important to take good care of your dentures so that they last for many years. Be sure to brush them daily with a mild soap or toothpaste designed for denture cleaning to remove food debris and plaque buildup. You should also soak them overnight in a solution recommended by your dentist or prosthodontist to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out or becoming misshapen.

Types of Dentures

There are two main types of dentures—complete (full) and partial—each with its own distinct benefits:

• Complete dentures – These replace all of the teeth in an arch (either the upper or lower jaw). They’re made up of an acrylic resin base that’s colored to match the gums, along with replacement teeth made from porcelain or plastic. Complete dentures can be either “conventional” (made after natural teeth have been removed) or “immediate” (placed in the mouth immediately following tooth extraction).
• Partial dentures – Sometimes called “partial plates,” these replace one or more missing teeth but not all of them in an arch. Partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework that attaches to existing teeth with clasps or precision attachments (tiny metal brackets that are bonded to existing teeth).

Contact NewStart Denture + Implant Partners to Learn More

Looking for dentures in Raleigh, North Carolina? The NewStart Denture + Implant Partners team is here to help. We offer a wide range of denture solutions to suit your individual needs, and our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care. Contact us today at 919.822.9154 or reach out to our team online to schedule a consultation.