Dentures are an appliance that is inserted in the mouth to fill space and provides support for the cheeks and lips. They are made of acrylic and can be fabricated in a couple of different ways.
An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues or gums can heal under the denture. After the tissues have healed a conventional denture is made.
Upper dentures have acrylic flesh colored portion that covers the palate (roof of the mouth). A lower denture will be shaped more like a horseshoe and leave room for the tongue.
Most teeth of the denture are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination thereof. It is also possible to attach a complete denture to dental implants to allow for an even more secure fit of the appliance.
It is common for dentures over a time to wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. Bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth and this creates the alignment to also slowly change. Routine dental examinations are still important to make sure the oral tissues are checked for disease or any changes.
Please contact us to schedule an appointment – We’re excited to meet you, and give you the best possible dental care in Des Moines!
Dental Associates
Dental Services
