dentures

Dentures are removable dental prostheses designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding soft tissue. They restore the ability to chew, speak, and maintain facial structure when natural teeth are absent.

Types of dentures include complete dentures, partial dentures, immediate dentures, and implant-supported dentures. Complete dentures replace all teeth in an arch (upper, lower, or both). Partial dentures fill gaps and are supported by remaining natural teeth. Immediate dentures are placed soon after tooth extraction to provide temporary function and aesthetics. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants for greater stability and retention.

Construction of dentures follows a multi-step process. A dentist or prosthodontist assesses oral health, takes impressions of the mouth, and records how the jaws relate to each other (bite registration). A dental lab then fabricates a wax mock-up for try-in, allowing adjustments to tooth shape, size, and bite before final processing. The final appliance uses an acrylic resin base with artificial teeth, which may be made of acrylic or porcelain. Most modern dentures rely on acrylic bases for comfort and light weight.

Care and wearing recommendations include cleaning dentures daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner, avoiding abrasive toothpaste, and handling them carefully to prevent breaks. They should be removed at night or as advised by a clinician and stored in water or an appropriate solution when not in use. Relining, rebasing, or replacement may be needed over time as gums and bone change. Some people use denture adhesives for added stability, though proper fit is primary.

While dentures restore function and appearance, they do not stop bone resorption and may affect taste or comfort temporarily. Regular dental visits help monitor fit, oral health, and the need for adjustments.