Boston Dentures & Partial Dentures
Boston Center for Oral Health has been treating patients with denture needs for many years. We provide a range of options from complete to partial denture sets, depending on the patient’s needs.
What are dentures?
A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures:
- Complete dentures: Complete dentures are used when all natural teeth are missing.
- Partial dentures: Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it also prevents other teeth from shifting.
A complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate”. A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.
Reasons for getting dentures:
- To replace all lost teeth in an arch (complete)
- To replace several lost teeth in an arch (partial)
- To enhance smile and facial tissues
- To improve chewing, speech and digestion
What does getting dentures involve?
The process of getting dentures requires multiple appointments, usually over the course of several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom dentures.
Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, but this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.
You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in extending the life of your new dentures.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired or readjusted due to normal wear.