Removable Dentures

Whether you need a denture for a few missing teeth or you need a full denture set, there are dentures available that will help your smile shine. Dentures not only fill out your smile, but they can help you chew food, improve your speech, and prevent your face from sagging if you are missing teeth. At Stonegate Dental, we value your smile just as much as you do, and we want to give patients a variety of options for denture types. The number of appointments and time necessary will depend on the type of removable dentures you need and the health of your teeth and gums.

Framework Partial Dentures

These are partial dentures which have a cast metal framework supporting gum coloured acrylic and teeth. Partial dentures are mainly tooth supported and clasp around existing teeth, making the appliance extremely stable. Teeth may need to be altered slightly so that the clasps and framework can allow the patient to bring their teeth together. The metal framework is extremely thin, making it quick and easy for patients to adapt to wearing the appliance.

In comparison to acrylic dentures, the cast metal framework is also very strong and less likely to break and since the metal does not rest on tissue, but rather, on teeth. This means that partial dentures will not sink below the level of the teeth. There is also minor contact with the mouth’s soft tissue, making the appliance easy to wear without any sore areas.

Flexible Framework Partial Dentures

The newest types of partial dentures are made from a nylon-like material called Valplast (the most common) or Flexite. This material replaces the metal and acrylic of the standard partial denture. The clasps that hold the partial to the teeth are made of the same material, and are generally indistinguishable from the gums—a very nice esthetic advantage.

The material is also nearly unbreakable so it can be made quite thin. One disadvantage to these partials is that they are tissue supported so patients may discover some sore spots with useage. For the patient with high esthetic needs, who also must have the most stable framework possible, we are now able to make a metal framework with clasps made of the pink material used in Valplast or Flexite partials. This allows us to hide the clasps while alleviating many of the sore spot problems associated with flexible frameworks.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures can be either "conventional dentures” or "immediate dentures."

Immediate dentures are ready to wear after the teeth have been removed. Conventional dentures, on the other hand, are ready fore placement in the mouth 8-12 weeks after all teeth have been removed. Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned same day as teeth extractions. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Immediate dentures may require more adjustments over the healing process, and are meant to be a temporary solution until conventional dentures are made.

Understanding Your Removable Dentures

Dr. Wat will make recommendations as to which removable dentures you may need. For patients will dentures, scheduled oral examinations are still necessary to ensure the best oral health possible. This will also help Dr. Wat know if there are any changes that need to be made in your removable dentures as your mouth ages. She will also be able to help you understand the care necessary for your new set of teeth.

Call our Guelph dentist office today for more information about removable dentures