Thanks to dentures, replacing missing teeth doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. At Blue Palm Dentistry in Wilton Manors, Florida, board-certified cosmetic and general dentist Davide Gottardi, DMD, offers custom-made dentures that can restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably. Whether you have a few missing teeth or many, Dr. Gottardi can fit you for the right set of dentures.
Dentures Q & A
What are dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. These appliances can replace some or all of the teeth. Dentures don’t just restore the appearance of your smile, they also allow you to chew and speak more comfortably.
When you have missing teeth, chewing can be painful and uncomfortable. It can even lead to nutrition deficiencies if you aren’t able to eat properly. Missing teeth also lead to slurred speech, lisps, and increased saliva production. Talking in public can be a challenge.
Dentures also help you maintain your facial shape. When you lose permanent teeth, your face can start to sag, which may make you look older.
What is the treatment process like for dentures?
The first step in creating custom-made dentures is removing any decayed or damaged teeth from your mouth. If you’re getting full dentures, Dr. Gottardi removes all of your remaining teeth. Next, he takes impressions of your mouth. These impressions serve as models for your new dentures.
It can take several weeks to create custom-made dentures. Dr. Gottardi may fit you for a temporary device to protect your gums in the meantime. When your dentures are ready, Dr. Gottardi checks the fit and size before restoring your smile and tooth function.
Are there different types of dentures?
The most common types of dentures include:
Removable full dentures
Also called complete dentures, these removable devices replace all the teeth in your mouth. Full dentures are artificial teeth with a pink base made of acrylic materials. The base closely resembles the natural color and texture of your gums. Complete dentures also suction to the roof of your mouth, which holds them in place.
Removable partial dentures
If you have some healthy teeth left in your mouth, partial dentures can replace your missing teeth. Partial dentures fill the spaces left behind by your missing teeth. While they have a gum-like base, these removable appliances don’t suction to the roof of your mouth. Instead, they attach to a ceramic or metal base, similar to a retainer.