Customized Removable Prosthetics
Dentures and dental bridges are removable dental appliance replacements for missing teeth. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial Denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth – it prevents other teeth from shifting. Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but they may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear and tear.
A Dental Bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth or teeth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants.
There are many types of bridges. They vary based upon how they are fabricated and the way they anchor to the adjacent teeth. Conventionally, bridges are made using the indirect method of restoration. However, bridges can be fabricated directly in the mouth using composite resin or adhesive.
Reasons for dentures and dental bridges:
- Complete Denture – Loss of all teeth within an arch.
- Partial Denture – Loss of several teeth within an arch.
- Dental Bridge – Loss of tooth or teeth that abut healthy teeth.
- Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
- Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.
What does getting dentures or a dental bridge involve?
This process requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Dental impressions or molds are created and used to create your custom denture or dental bridge. Several appointments are necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture or bridge, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty. However, this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to your new teeth.