A denture (plate) is a removable dental appliance to replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and will enhance the beauty of your smile.
There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth in a jaw are missing. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, but also prevents other teeth from shifting.
A Complete denture may be either “temporary” or “permanent.” Temporary (immediate) dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from being without teeth during the healing process. Once the jawbone and gum tissues have healed, which usually takes nine months to a year, a permanent denture is made.
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last five to eight years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear and changes in the jawbone.
