Dentures Basics

Introduction



Dentures are false teeth, made mostly of plastic, that replace missing or lost teeth. Dentures are a solution of last resort. Many people assume that they will need dentures as they age, but losing teeth is not a normal part of the aging process. If you care for your teeth well and guard against periodontal (gum) disease, you should be able to keep your teeth for a lifetime.
Saving even a few natural teeth is often better than losing them all. Natural teeth or even parts of natural teeth can help you retain bone in your jaw. They also can act as stable supports for bridges, overdentures or removable partial dentures. Your dentist will try to save as many of your natural teeth as possible.

Dentures can be either complete or partial. Complete dentures are made for people who have lost all of their teeth. They can be given more support by placement of implants in the bone under the denture. Partial dentures are used to replace only a few teeth. They attach to nearby teeth.

The good news is that dentures aren't what they used to be. Newer materials and technology have allowed great improvements. Now dentists can fashion dentures that fit comfortably, appear natural and help you stay healthier.

Denture problems still can occur, of course. But problems such as clicking, slipping, frequent gum irritation and odor may be signs that your dentures don't fit well. They may need to be adjusted, relined or remade.

Although dentures may look like your natural teeth, they cannot work like them. Simple actions such as speaking and eating may feel different. You will have to learn how to use and adjust to your dentures. For some people, this can take up to several months.