Dentures

There are two types of complete dentures, conventional and immediate. With immediate dentures, the dentist takes measures and makes models of the patient’s jaw in a visit prior to the procedure. The immediate dentures are then ready to be placed directly into the mouth after the remaining teeth are removed. With conventional dentures, the remaining teeth are removed first, and the full denture is not placed in the mouth until the tissues have healed, which can take several months. There is also the option of a partial denture, which is a removable denture that fits over the remaining natural teeth or implants. Prior to receiving a partial denture, the natural teeth must be prepared to provide support and stability for the denture.

Dentures can be made either of plastic, or of cobalt chromium. Dentures made completely of plastic are usually cheaper, but that does not necessarily mean they are better. Complete dentures are usually made of plastic. Cobalt chromium looks just as good as the plastic dentures, but are stronger and last longer. These dentures have a metal skeleton made of cobalt chromium, a strong, hard metal which does not change shape or rust. These dentures are more costly but in the long run are probably a better investment.

Dentures are made from a mold of the patient’s jaw, and are generally tried to be made to look as natural as possible. The mold is filled to form the denture, and once the denture has dried, the mold is broken to remove the denture and put the finishing touches on it by hand. Look for Ameriplan® to save on dentures.