What are dentures? How do dentures work?

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth or an entire arch of teeth.
Partial dentures are recommended when the entire dentition hasn't been lost. Full dentures are suitable for completely edentulous patients.
Partial dentures are recommended when only part of the dentition has been lost. Complete dentures are suitable for patients who are completely edentulous.
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Are you considering dentures as a tooth replacement option? Here's everything you need to know.

Types of dentures

The most common way to classify dentures is by whether they are full or partial. The two kinds have different delivery times and are recommended in different cases.

Partial denture

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A partial denture can replace a number of teeth if not all of the dentition is lost. It is a removable plate that can contain one or more teeth, not necessarily next to each other.

A partial denture may replace only the front and/or back teeth, as needed. Precision attachments might be added for extra support and sturdiness.

Namrita Harchandani, DMD

Traditional partial dentures are much cheaper than permanent options. However, they may get loose over time and sometimes have a metal clasp that may show through when you smile.

There are several options to choose from depending on the condition of your mouth:

acrylic,
flexible,
metal, or
interim.

Not everyone is a candidate for each type. You may also want to consider a dental bridge as an alternative if you are only missing a tooth or two. Bridges can replace up to two adjacent teeth.

Harry Lee, DMD, also emphasises the practical side of wearing dentures: "When I have a patient who is about to get their first set of complete dentures, we have a critical conversation that has nothing to do with the color or shape of the teeth. It is about managing expectations, because there is a big misconception that dentures are a simple fix."

"They are not teeth; they are a prosthetic replacement, and learning to use them is a fundamental skill," he emphasizes.

Full dentures

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If you are fully toothless, you will need a full denture. If you have some teeth remaining, it is up to your dentist to decide whether to create a partial or to extract the remaining dentition and fit a full prosthesis anyway. It all depends on how much stability your teeth give you.

Full dentures include 12 to 14 teeth per arch. Some end at the first molar, but a second molar is sometimes added for sturdiness. The determining factors are the space available and the presence of opposing teeth.

The choice is between:

immediate,
same-day,
interim,
overdentures, or
conventional dentures.

Immediate prostheses are fashioned before the remaining teeth are removed. Same-day dentures are made in 24 hours, including necessary extractions. Interim ones may be worn while you are awaiting implant-retained or conventional dentures.

In conventional dentures, the upper arch covers the whole roof of the mouth and may be attached by suction. It may take a few weeks to produce one.

Implant-retained, or overdentures, provide the most support. In addition, they help reduce bone loss, which means the state of the mouth won’t continue to deteriorate. You will, however, need surgery.

How are dentures made?

Most dentures take anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months to land in your mouth. The process includes several visits to the prosthodontist or dentist. This is to ensure the best fit and durability possible.

The process is more complicated if there are dental implants involved. The whole thing might take up to 2 years.

Initial consultation

It’s a good idea to ask about dentures during a periodic exam with your dentist. He or she will propose a treatment plan and schedule possible extractions. The type of denture will also be determined. This includes the materials and whether the prosthesis is to be full or partial.

Impressions

Taking impressions is a necessary step to determine the shape of the denture. It needs to mimic the surface of your jaws exactly. In the case of an immediate denture, this might take place before teeth are removed.

The dentist will place a soft putty in your mouth after cleaning it. This might be done twice if you need a denture for both the top and bottom arches.

Lab technicians use such models to make a dental cast and then the denture. This stage can take a few weeks.

Adjustments

Patients often come in several times at this stage to make adjustments. It is rare for a prosthesis to fit perfectly straight away. It may become thickened in some areas if the denture is loose.

Getting your denture

When you finally receive your denture, the dentist will instruct you on how to best care for it. Make sure to follow their tips and advice exactly for the best results.

Follow-up appointments are standard, as are dental lab repairs every one to two years. It is essential to visit your dentist regularly to ensure your denture fits properly. If it does not, it could cause irritation and lesions, which can lead to denture stomatitis.

Pros and cons of dentures

Lee stresses the discomfort some people feel once they start using dentures: "I often tell my patients it is like learning to ride a unicycle. The upper denture is usually the easy part; it has the whole roof of your mouth to create suction and stay stable. The lower denture, however, is the unicycle. It has to balance on a narrow ridge of bone while your tongue and cheek muscles are constantly trying to knock it off balance."

"Your brain has to learn an entirely new way to chew and speak to keep it in place," he concludes.

Can make eating and speaking easier
Cost-effective compared to alternatives
Custom-made to fit your mouth

Often feel awkward for a few weeks
Must be kept in water when not in the mouth
Separate denture and mouth maintenance
Saliva flow temporarily increases
Fit must be regularly checked and adjusted
Relines are needed every year or so
Denture adhesive is often necessary
Patients should avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods
Have to be taken out when you go to bed
You may have to go without teeth for a while
Replacements are needed after a few years

Harry Lee, DMD

It is a process that requires immense patience. Your chewing efficiency will be significantly reduced at first, and you will need to work your way up to harder foods. The first few weeks are all about retraining your muscles. It is a significant adjustment, but millions of people have successfully made it. The key is to see it not as a failure of your body, but as the beginning of mastering a new and important skill.

Dentures facts and statistics

Over 36 million Americans are toothless.
Approximately 90% of Americans without teeth have dentures.
Each year, roughly 15% of those who are toothless get dentures.
80% of complete denture wearers avoid eating vegetables.
The first dentures were made in the 7th century BC.
In the early 16th century, dentures were made from wood and beeswax. The first porcelain dentures were made near the end of the 18th century.

FAQ

What dental specialists can make dentures?

If you want to go to a specialist, you can reach out to a prosthodontist. A large majority of dentures, however, are made by general dentists.

How long should you wear dentures each day?

Wear your denture for at least a few hours every day. You have it for a reason. A break of no more than 6-8 hours per night is recommended. Ensure that you store it properly during that time.