Dentures

Dentures are artificial replacements for your natural teeth and gums. If an accident, disease or poor oral health care has left you with only a few healthy teeth or none at all, your dentist or prosthodontist might suggest dentures to replace your missing teeth.

There are 2 types of dentures: partial and complete. For both types, your dentist or specialist makes a model of your teeth by taking impressions. The models are used to custom-make your dentures.

Also called “removable partial denture prostheses” or “partials,” partial dentures may be used when nearby teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge, or when many teeth are missing. Partial dentures are made up of one or more artificial teeth held in place by clasps that fit onto nearby natural teeth. You can take the partial denture out for cleaning and at night.

Complete dentures are what we most often refer to as “false teeth or “full dentures.” They are used when all your natural teeth are missing. Complete dentures are removable and held in place by suction. They can cause soreness at first and take some time to get used to.