Depending upon how many teeth need to be replaced, you will either be fitted for a complete denture or a partial denture. Complete (full) means that all the natural teeth are missing or have been removed, and partial means that there are some natural teeth that remain healthy in the mouth. Both styles are removable, unless we opt for a fixed partial denture, where the piece is permanently fitted into place with cement using your adjacent teeth to support the appliance. This type of denture cannot be removed for cleaning, so it is cared for just like natural teeth. The removable denture may require an adhesive for extra stability and a partial may use clasps to attach to your surrounding teeth for a more secure fit. But every denture is designed to fit each patient’s mouth perfectly, and snaps in comfortably with easy removal for cleaning.
Conventional full dentures are created and placed into the mouth once the gums have completely healed if any teeth have been removed. This process can take several months. There are also immediate full dentures which can be placed right away. While they may need adjustments throughout the first few months, the end result is similar. The look and feel is natural and nobody will notice they are not real teeth. As for function, those who were unable to properly speak or chew beforehand can again do so because dentures provide so much more than a cosmetic fix.
