Dentures

A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is a removable appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips. For more information on dentures or to schedule a consultation appointment, call ProsthoDental at 901-680-0823.

Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways. A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed. An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture. An upper denture has acrylic, usually tissue colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth). A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue. The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination thereof. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth or a complete denture can be attached to implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.

Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular oral examinations by a dentist are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.