Complete dentures are what we most often refer to as “false teeth.” They are also called “full dentures” and are used when all your natural teeth are missing. Complete dentures are removable as they are held in place by suction. They can cause soreness at first and take some time to get used to. There are 2 types of complete dentures: immediate dentures and conventional dentures.

 

Immediate dentures are made before your teeth are removed. Your denturist takes measurements and makes models of your jaws during your first visit. Once your teeth are extracted, your denturist inserts the immediate dentures. The benefit of immediate dentures is that you are not without teeth during the healing period, which can take up to 6 months. During the healing period, your bones and gums can shrink and your immediate dentures may need to be relined by your denturist for a proper fit.

Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases.

 

Depending on your needs, your denturist will design a partial denture for you. A partial denture may have a metal framework and clasps that connect to your teeth, or they can have other connectors that are more natural looking.

 

In some cases, a removable partial denture is made to attach to your natural teeth with devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more aesthetic than clasps.