Removable Dentures

Removable dentures mean that just that. They are removable. They are removed for cleaning, and once adjustments are made to a new set of dentures, they are commonly removed before going to bed and placed in water. Sleeping without the dentures allows the gums to rest and stimulates normal cleansing by the tongue and saliva. The denture is placed back in the mouth in the morning.

The two different types of dentures are:

• Complete: When the entire row (arch) of teeth is missing, complete dentures are used, whether it is upper, lower, or both.

• Partial: When only some teeth are missing, a gum-colored or pink base is made with replacement teeth, sometimes with a metal framework. The remaining natural teeth will help hold the partial denture in place.

Three different types of denture choices are available. Dr. Storm can help you decide which is best for your situation:

• Conventional Dentures: The conventional method for getting dentures is to have the required teeth pulled, and then have the dentures manufactured for your mouth. This type of denture cannot be placed until your mouth has completely healed, however.

• Immediate: Immediate dentures are made before removing the remaining teeth. They will have to be adjusted after healing, but for patients not wanting to go without teeth during the healing period, this is an option.

• Overdenture: Overdentures are an option if some of the teeth can be saved. Overdentures provide better stability for the jawbone and promotes less bone loss. The remaining teeth are then prepared, and an overdenture is fitted right over the top of those prepared teeth.