Getting Partial Dentures from a Dentist

A dentist may recommend a partial denture if you are missing teeth. A partial denture can help restore your smile and even help you chew and speak more clearly. Here is a closer look at dentures and how they can transform your mouth.

Dentures

Whether a dentist suggests a whole or partial denture depends on how many teeth a patient has left and the health of those teeth. If a patient still has the majority of their teeth and those teeth are in good condition, a partial denture is probably a good fit. On the other hand, complete dentures are recommended when all or most of the teeth are lost or the remaining teeth are causing oral or other health problems.

Partial dentures

When natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw, partial dentures are a good option. A partial denture fills in the gaps produced by missing teeth and prevents adjacent teeth from moving. The typical partial denture is a pink or gum-colored plastic foundation with replacement teeth held in place through the support of a metal framework. A partial denture is attached to the surrounding crowns. Partial dentures are natural-looking appliances that are removable and can help restore the function and form of your jaw by replacing one or several missing teeth.

The process of getting dentures

Some teeth may need to be extracted before a patient can be fitted with dentures. These may be decaying teeth that cannot be saved. After the gums have begun to heal, the dentist can start fitting the patient for dentures. Patients should expect to wait a few weeks for their dentures to be made. The dentist will begin by taking impressions of the patient's teeth. The dentist will also take thorough notes on the patient's mouth, such as how the jaws fit together and how much room there is between them.

The dentist will push a tray loaded with putty into the patient's upper and lower jaws to obtain impressions. This is a painless and fast procedure. The impression is then used to make a model of the patient's mouth. The model can then be used to make a wax replica of the dentures. The patient may need to do this multiple times so that the dentist may make alterations to the fit, shape, or color.

How long does it take from tooth extraction to denture placement?

The type of denture determines how long a patient must wait before having dentures fitted in their mouth. Dentures made for patients are usually ready to wear three to six months after the teeth are pulled. Once your tissues have fully recovered, dentures can be implanted.