Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth that can be inserted and removed into your mouth as you please. Depending on your dental situation, you may receive a full or partial denture. Full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are removed from the mouth and replaced with a full set of dentures. There are two types of full dentures.

• Conventional Full Dentures - This is when all the teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal before the dentures are placed. It could take a few months for the gum tissue to heal completely, and during this time you will be without teeth.
  
  
• Immediate Full Dentures - Prior to having your teeth removed, your dentist takes measurements and has dentures fitted for your mouth. After removing the teeth, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a follow up visit to refit your dentures because the jaw bone will slightly change shape as your mouth heels. The dentures will need to be tightened or relined after the jaw bone has healed. *In some cases, fabrication of a new denture will be required.

Partial dentures are another option when not all of your teeth need to be removed. This is similar to a bridge, but it is not a permanent fixture in your mouth. This is a non-invasive way to restore a missing tooth as it does not require you to re-shape the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. 

Both denture options can be made using non-metal materials. There have been significant improvements in denture materials that offer the patient more choices. Dr. Butler is happy to review the options with you so that you can make an informed choice.

Your dentures may take some time to get used to. The flesh colored base of the dentures is placed over your gums. Some people say that it feels bulky or that they don't have enough room for their tongue. Other times the dentures might feel loose. These feelings will affect the way you eat and talk for a little while. Over time, your mouth becomes trained to eat and speak with your dentures and they begin to feel more and more like your natural teeth. They may never feel perfectly comfortable, but it is much better than the alternative of not having teeth.

Even though dentures are not real teeth, you should care for them like they are. You should brush them to remove plaque and food particles before removing your dentures. After they have been removed you should place them directly into the storage case provided or a denture cleaning solution. Never use hot water or home made cleaning solutions because it could warp the dentures.

Your dentures are delicate, so make sure you are careful when handling them so you don't drop them. Also, never try to adjust your dentures yourself. You could ruin them, so you should always seek assistance from Dr. Butler if they feel uncomfortable or loose.