Dentures

Dentures are removable replacements for lost teeth and the surrounding tissues. Here at West End Dental, we provide two types of dentures: full and partial. The difference between them is that full dentures are used if all your teeth are missing, whereas partial dentures are prescribed if some of your natural teeth remain.

Full Dentures

Complete dentures are further divided into conventional dentures and immediate dentures.

Conventional Dentures

Conventional dentures are made after your teeth are removed and the gum tissue has started healing. These dentures are ready for placement about 8-12 weeks after the removal of your teeth.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are different. We craft them in advance and can place them as soon as we remove your teeth. The benefit of this is that you don’t need to go without teeth during the healing period. There are drawbacks, however. For instance, your gums and bones will shrink over time, especially during a period of healing after a tooth is removed.

Because immediate dentures need more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process, they are generally seen as a temporary solution until conventional dentures are completed.

Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are usually made of replacement teeth that are attached to a gum-colored plastic base, often connected by a metal framework which holds the denture in place in your mouth. Partial dentures are prescribed when at least one natural tooth remains in the upper or lower jaw.

We use a fixed bridge that replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and then attaching artificial teeth. After that, we cement the bridge in place. A partial denture fills in the gaps made by missing teeth and stops your other teeth from shifting. Precision partial dentures are removable and have internal attachments instead of clasps that attach to adjacent crowns. This gives it a much more natural appliance.

How Are Dentures Made?

Denture production takes a few weeks and requires several appointments. At these appointments, Dr. James Krippaehne or Dr. Ida Malmquist will determine which kind of appliance is the best choice for you. After that, he will make impressions of your jaw, measure the distance between your jaws, and examine how they relate to each other.

Then our team will create models made of wax or plastic for you to try on. We will assess fit, shape, and color before casting the final denture. Subsequent adjustments may follow afterward.

How often do I need to wear dentures?

Dr. James Krippaehne will let you know how long you need to wear your dentures and when you can remove them. For the first week or so after you receive your denture, he may ask you to wear it all the time, including during sleep. While this may be uncomfortable at first, this is the most effective way to pinpoint any areas of the denture that may require adjustment.

Once the necessary adjustments are made, you can and should remove your dentures before going to sleep at night. This allows your gum tissues to rest and resumes normal stimulation and cleansing by your saliva and tongue. You can put your denture back in in the morning.

Questions About Dentures?

Do you still have questions about dentures? Are you looking for alternatives to dentures, like dental implants? Contact our friendly staff today at (503) 446-2957 to learn more.

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