PARTIAL DENTURES

Partial dentures use metal attachments to gain support and retention from your natural teeth. A partial denture is an affordable removable option, however fixed alternative options are bridges or implants.

FULL DENTURES

Complete dentures stay in place by way of a suction seal created by a thin layer of saliva lying between the denture base and underlying gum and bone tissue. The more surface area, the better the seal. Not everyone copes well with full dentures as denture retention is effected by the amount of jaw bone, saliva flow rate, size of tongue, and position and strength of tissue attachments.

An immediate denture generally will not fit as well as a delayed denture as the technician must guess the position the jaw bone will heal to after tooth removal. The jaw bone remodels substantially in the first 6 months after tooth removal, often causing immediate dentures to fit loosely soon after placement. Most immediate dentures require a reline (addition of acrylic to the underside of your dentures) or complete remake (depending on how much the jaw bone remodels).

A delayed denture will fit better than an immediate denture, however, it requires you to go without teeth for 3 – 6 months.

DENTURES PROCESS

The manufacture of dentures require multiple visits spaced approximately a week apart to allow time for the laboratory work to be completed. The appointment schedule often requires:

• Impressions to make special custom trays.
• Second impressions using the custom trays.
• Recording the position of your smile line and bite relationship
• Fitting of the denture in a waxed up form (not always required for partial and immediate dentures).
• Fitting the completed denture and discussing denture care.

If you would wish to understand more about our dentures services or would like to arrange your initial consultation with Abdul, our clinical dental technician at our Papamoa clinic please contact us.