Your Saint John Invisalign® Provider
What are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial tooth replacements that allow patients who are missing teeth to preserve their facial profile, eat normally and speak fluently. Dentures can be used to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth or all of the teeth in a jaw.
In order to avoid the deterioration of your jaw bone, it is vital to replace missing teeth. If some or all of your natural teeth are missing, dentures can be an effective and affordable option for replacing them.
With proper care, dentures can last for many years and restore your smile and your confidence.
Why Dentures May Be Used
An essential component of your long-term oral health is filling in any gaps caused by missing teeth. Fitting you for dentures allows your dentist to help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting, which can cause jaw pain and difficulties in chewing or speaking.
As you lose your teeth, your facial muscles tend to sag, causing you to look older. Dentures can fill out your face and profile. They can also be designed to closely resemble your natural teeth so that very little changes in terms of the look of your smile.
Types of Dentures
If you are missing any of your natural teeth, your dentist can help guide you toward the dentures that fit your needs.
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Full Dentures
Your dentist will use full dentures, also known as complete dentures or false teeth, if you are missing an entire jaw of teeth.
You can have them fitted for your upper or lower gums, and they are held in place by suction and/or with the aid of an oral adhesive.
Full dentures are able to be removed for sleeping and cleaning.
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Implant-Supported Dentures
If there is an insufficient amount of gum tissue to support full dentures, dental implants may be used to help stabilize the dentures, achieving a secure fit.
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Partial Dentures
Your dentist will use partial dentures if you are missing more than a few teeth or if your surrounding teeth aren't strong enough to support a dental bridge.
They are made up of one or more artificial teeth held in place by clasps that fit onto your natural teeth or a tooth replacement such as a dental crown.
Partial dentures are able to be removed for sleeping and cleaning.
