Your Complete Dentures Experts in Rochester, NY
Complete Dentures
What are removable complete dentures?
Removable complete dentures are a full set of artificial teeth that fit over the gums and can be removed when you are not using them. There are two types of removable dentures: ‘conventional’ and ‘immediate’.
Conventional removable dentures are for those who are missing all their teeth. If you need to have teeth removed before fitting your dentures, it may take four to six weeks for your gums to heal, and three to six months for jaw bone to remodel its shape. During this healing and bone remodeling period, you may choose to be fitted with ‘immediate’ dentures that are made in advance and placed in your mouth immediately after your teeth are removed. These types of dentures provide you with chewing ability while your gums are healing.
Characteristics of Complete Dentures
The upper full denture has an acrylic, flesh-colored area that covers the roof of your mouth (your palate). The lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe and is open to leave room for your tongue. The teeth for the upper and lower dentures are connected by a chemical bond and physical interlocking.
Complete Dentures Fitting Process
Step 1 – Consultation: An initial consultation with Dr. Kuyunov will be scheduled so that he can conduct a detailed evaluation of your mouth, any remaining teeth you may have, and your overall health. Your medical and dental history will also be reviewed to ensure that the best plan can be put into place for you. A mold of your upper and lower jaws will be taken so that a special impression tray can be made to custom fit your mouth.
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Step 2 – Rectifying Oral Health Issues: Any oral health issues like gum disease, will need to be addressed and rectified before you can be fitted for complete dentures. At this stage, any teeth that are still present will be extracted. Your gums will need to heal before you are fitted for your dentures, which can take four to six weeks. You can opt for getting ‘immediate’ dentures, which can provider you with chewing ability during this time.
Step 3 – Secondary Impressions Taken: On a follow-up visit, secondary impressions will be taken using your custom-made ‘special trays’ to obtain the exact anatomy of your mouth. This is used to make the denture base that follows your jaw anatomy.
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Step 4 – Bite Mold: A wax bite mold is taken to determine the relationship between your upper and lower jaw. These molds are then sent to our in-house lab so that a trial denture can be crafted that will be the exact shape and position of your finished dentures. At this visit, we will help you choose the color and quality of the teeth for your new dentures.
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Step 5 – Try-In Appointment: When your wax-based trial removable dentures return from the lab, a try-in appointment with Dr. Kuyunov will be necessary to assess the shape, fit, color, and appearance before your final dentures are crafted. Adjustments will be made, if necessary, so that your new dentures will fit properly and are comfortable to wear. Speech, esthetics, and bite will be assessed and confirmed for the highest possible standard. The lab then creates your final removable set of full dentures.
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Step 6 – Final Fitting: When your final dentures are finished, you will return to Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester so that Dr. Kuyunov can make sure they fit properly and are comfortable to wear. If all goes well, you can take your removable dentures home. After you have worn them for a while, if any adjustments are necessary, you can call our office for a follow-up appointment.
Who is a good candidate for complete dentures?
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Missing Teeth – Those who have few or no teeth in their mouth and who still have enough healthy gum tissue and jawbone.
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Non-Surgical Solution – Patients who are opposed to having any type of invasive surgery (which is necessary for dental implants) and prefer using a removable prosthesis and people who are not eligible to receive dental implants for medical reasons.
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Better Functionality – You find that you are having difficulty speaking or chewing your favorite foods with your limited number of natural teeth
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Aesthetic Reasons – Those who want to feel confident when they speak and smile.
Benefits of Complete Dentures
Missing teeth can cause problems with both your appearance and overall health. Here are several benefits of complete dentures:​
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Protects Gum Tissue: When teeth are missing, your soft gum tissue is vulnerable to damage from food that may be hard or extremely crunchy. Full dentures will help protect your gums from injury.
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Prevents Facial Sagging: When teeth are missing, this can result in facial pain and can even change the shape and integrity of your facial features. Dentures can help provide fullness of facial features.
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Avoids Implant Surgery: If the idea of having permanent full dental implants does not appeal to you, full-arch or full-mouth complete dentures may be your best option. Dentures are easy to remove when not in use or when you need to clean them.
If you'd like more information, Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester, NY, will help give you the most comfortable, natural looking smile. Complete dentures are just one way to restore your missing teeth. If you are interested in another available option, implant-supported dentures are an alternative.
Call us today at 585-471-5689 to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Or click the link below.